Elementary students attending St.Thomas Episcopal Parish School were surprised on Wednesday, Oct. 22, by a visit from the Miami Heat’s mascot “Burnie, who greeted them at the steps as they entered the school at 8 a.m.
Shantelle Maxwell, the director of communications and marketing for the school, served as the emcee for the event and made a surprise announcement.
“St. Thomas will be having our first-ever Miami Heat Night on Dec. 8,” she said. “In addition, 40 of our students will be selected to be Anthem Buddies singing on the court lined up with both Heat and Chicago Bulls players singing the National Anthem.”
The official announcement took place during the Morning Flag ceremony in the school’s interior courtyard, which was packed with students, teachers, staff and parents, who gave Burnie a big welcome after the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation. Everyone seemed to enjoy the encounter.
Chase Thompson is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. His favorite classes are History and Math.
“It was fun and it was quite exciting, because I like the Heat, but I like the Gators a lot, too,” Chase said. “I wish their mascot came. I like football and basketball…and soccer.”
Hunter White is 11 and is also in the fifth grade. He had a similar opinion about Burnie’s surprise visit.
“It was exciting and a fun experience,” Hunter said. “I’m looking forward to trying to be at the Heat game.”
St.Thomas Episcopal Parish School is located at 5692 N. Kendall Dr. in Coral Gables.
