By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

PHOTO ALBUM

It was a special day for Apollo Ridge Elementary third-grader Drew Hreha when he got to take Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward to school as a part of the “NFL Take a Player to School” presented by JCPenney Afterschool Program.

Ward went to Hreha’s home first thing in the morning and visited with him before heading off to school in a limo with Drew and his younger brother Zach.

“He showed me his house and his trophies,” said Ward. “He has a Steelers room. It’s about me being a kid all over again. I am honored and glad to have been here.”

Ward was welcomed at the school by plenty of black and gold decorations and kids decked out in black and gold and jerseys lining up to give him a high five as he headed down the hallway.

“It’s always a great opportunity,” said Ward, who took part in the program last year as well. “For me to go out and re-live my childhood memories of sitting in the classroom and remembering those days of what it is like to go to school every day was fun.”

Ward visited with Hreha’s third grade class and spoke to the students about the importance of education and health. The fun-loving Ward also got the kids moving, as he encouraged them to be active as a part of the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, which helps kids get 60 minutes of exercise a day.  

“I taught them how to catch the ball and do touchdown celebrations,” said a smiling Ward. “I had a blast. I never won anything like this in my life. For Drew to come away the winner is a big honor.”

And Drew couldn’t agree more.

“It’s really exciting because I have a real NFL player and the Super Bowl MVP here,” he said. “It’s nice to have such a nice guy come to school with me.”

The JCPenney Afterschool Program is a non-profit organization committed to providing America's children with access to high-quality after school programs and raising awareness around the need for more programs that keep kids safely and constructively engaged during after school hours.