Wizards Visit William Ramsey

Players and cheerleaders from the Washington Wizards join in a group photo with ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt and educators at a back-to-school event Aug. 15 at William Ramsey Elementary School.

Washington Wizards rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins were on hand as the NBA team hosted a back-to-school celebration at William Ramsay Elementary School.

The Aug. 15 event featured Wizards in-game entertainers, including DJ Heat, the Wizards Dancers and mascot G-Wiz. All William Ramsay students in attendance received a free Wizards-branded backpack filled with school supplies donated by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the official charity of the Washington Wizards.

“We are excited to be here for our back-to-school giveaway,” said Wizards PR representative Kara Swirsky. “We want to support the community and get these kids ready to go back to school.”

Johnson, Riley and Watkins signed autographs and spoke about the importance of these events.

“As a kid you will remember these moments so it’s important for us to give back,” Riley said.

Watkins stressed the importance of building good habits in school that will translate to later in life.

“We need to use social media and the platform we are given in a positive way,” Watkins said.

Attendees enjoyed Wizards Pop-a-Shot, face painting, balloon artists, magicians and a photo booth. Haircuts were provided by Capetown DMV.

The team also provided Wizards-branded water bottles and folders and each student was able to choose a free book donated by Mahogany Books.

“Today is truly about community,” said ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “This is about one community coming together to make sure our students are ready for school.”

“As a kid you will remember these moments so it’s important for us to give back.”

— Washington Wizards rookie Will Riley