The eager learners “They loved it,” said New Hope Online were introduced to a Beginnings Learning Center Director few more prominent Detrice Brown. “Field trips like the Students Explore athletes of yesteryear ‘Pride and Passion’ exhibit expose stu- and then discussed the dents to learning experiences that are “New” Pages In contributions of Hank particularly relevant to them. At Aaron, Willie Mays and Hope Online we combine the benefits Baseball History Jackie Robinson to the of online learning and classroom expe- world of baseball, riences so our students get the best of By Ruth Márquez West including their exam- both worlds.” After the ith the World Series around exhibit, the stu- theW corner, local k-8th graders from dents reflected Hope Online at New Beginnings on the images Learning Center recently learned and stories of cial history lessons, the stories of about a chapter in sports often the day and James “Cool Papa” Bell, a legendary unknown to even the most enthusias- what knowl- outfielder who could also steal bases tic fans – the history of African- edge they could at lightning speed, and Rube Foster, American baseball heroes. During a take with them the founder of organized African- field trip to the Aurora History from their field American league play in the 1920’s, Museum for the exhibit, “Pride and trip experience. were highlighted as well. Passion: The African-American Ready to move “I saw the children’s eyes light up Baseball Experience,” students around, they as the mentors and I read to the stu- enjoyed photos and displays that stepped onto dents about these baseball champions made “old time” baseball come alive. ples of service to others. Students the lawn in front of the municipal while they thumbed through their In preparation for their field trip, enjoyed the opportunity to pose with building complex, excited to make the baseball heroes coloring pages,” the students attentively listened to a bat signed by Ken Griffey, Jr., while most of a foam bat and ball. To the shares Hope Online Teacher Annie their teacher and mentors read about also learning about some defining delight of their mentors who cheered McKnight. “It reminded me, as a new the gifted sluggers, pitchers and out- moments in the history of the game. from the sidelines, some of the stu- Hope Online teacher, that our stu- fielders who played in their own sepa- With time lines dating back to the dents swung the bat hard enough to dents enjoy a wide variety of learning rate leagues. The students heard for 1800’s, the names of Bud Fowler and evoke images of the great slugger Josh experiences here,” she added, refer- the first time about key figures in Moses Fleetwood Walker proved to Gibson himself, ending their day with ring to the field trips, activities and African-American baseball such as the the students that Jackie Robinson’s pride and passion, indeed.  offline lessons her students participate remarkable pitcher, Leroy “Satchel” dramatic entry into the major leagues in at New Beginnings and other Hope Paige and power hitter, Josh Gibson. was preceded by many baseball About Hope Online Learning Online learning centers. On a day set aside for some very spe- accomplishments of African-American Academy Co-Op Hope Online Learning Academy athletes across the decades. Co-Op is a unique online public char- Particularly memorable for the ter school that bridges the digital Hope Online students was a photo of divide by affording k-12 students the a former hometown team they had benefits of online education in a safe never known was part of their local and supportive classroom environ- history. The Denver White Elephants, ment. Chartered by the Douglas an African-American team in the County School District, Hope Online 1930’s, featured the pitching of future enrolls students statewide, with the Kansas City Monarch star, John majority of students representing “Buck” O’Neil. O’Neil went on to minority populations that qualify for become the first African-American free and reduced lunch. Hope Online coach in the major leagues. In 2007, provides the only opportunity for the commissioner of baseball estab- Colorado’s at-risk students with work- lished the Buck O’Neil Lifetime ing parents to participate in online Achievement Award given to those education. For more information, visit players known for a level of integrity http://www.hopeonline.org or call and character that elevates baseball 303-989-3539. legacy.

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