Chicago Cubs & Perspectives Have Something in Common

Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy honor roll students were rewarded last week with a visit from members of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. We were honored to have the Cubs’ new President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, and board member Laura Ricketts in attendance along with players Matt Szczur (CF),  Tony Campana (OF), David DeJesus (RF), Chris Carpenter (RHP), Josh Vitters (3B), and James Russell (LHP). Broadcaster Keith Moreland emceed the celebration and fielded questions with the help of Rudy Jaramillo (Hitting Coach), Randy Bush (Assistant General Manager), Lester Strode (Bullpen coach), and Shiraz Rehman (Assistant to the General Manager).

Students asked hard-hitting questions about challenges faced during the Cubs’ careers, where each Cub attended college and what they studied. Cheers erupted among students as several players admitted their favorite subject in school was math, followed closely by science and English. A Disciplined Life principles were discussed throughout the event as players demonstrated perseverance by successfully defeating cancer, demonstrated a strong work ethic to get to the major leagues, and told stories of generosity and compassion as they volunteered their time to help others with one player even donating bone marrow to save someone’s life. The celebration ended with a hearty supply of peanuts and Cracker Jacks as students were rewarded for a semester of hard work.

Our special thanks go out to Cubs players and management for their support of our students. Go Cubs Go!