McCutcheon Elementary Chosen By Chicago Bulls as Partner School, Gets a Pep Rally

Chicago Bulls' (from left to right) Chuck Swirsky joins Tony Snell, Principal Jennifer Farrell,
Sidney Green, Aaron Brooks, and Joan Petrakos at the pep rally.

Yesterday was an exciting day for the students, faculty, and staff at Uptown's McCutcheon School, as the Chicago Bulls and BMO Harris Bank announced that McCutcheon had been selected as their "Adopt-A-School" partner for the 2014-2015 school year.

Some of McCutcheon's nearly 500 students enjoying the show

Aldermen James Cappleman (46th) and Harry Osterman (48th)
with a few of the LovaBulls

And what better way to celebrate than an assembly/pep rally at the Pederson-McCormick Boys & Girls Club, right next to the school?  It was a fantastic day for the students in attendance, who were treated to appearances by former Bull Bob Love, current players Tony Snell and Aaron Brooks, Hubert the Harris Lion, Benny the Bull, the LovaBulls, the CB Flippers, play-by-play man Chuck Swirsky, and Ald. James Cappleman and Harry Osterman.

Student James got a birthday gift from Benny the Bull
(who "shared" it by squirting Silly String at the audience)

McCutcheon Elementary, located at 4865 North Sheridan, was selected from many candidate schools because of its strong attendance and academic records.  McCutcheon was the only Uptown school that improved two levels in the latest CPS "report card" that rated public schools.

Benny demonstrated team-building with four student volunteers

Being chosen as a partner school means that the Bulls and BMO Harris will work with McCutcheon to provide facility upgrades, tickets to Bulls games, Bulls souvenirs, and BMO Harris-sponsored seminars about financial literacy.  The first recipient was student Adriana Jimenez, who was announced as the winner of an essay contest and received tickets to courtside seats at an upcoming Bulls game.

The CB Flippers put on an astounding performance, soaring nearly to the gym's ceiling

Hubert the Harris Lion gives fist bumps to students

So many good things are going to come out of this partnership, and everyone who worked so hard to make it happen -- the parents, students, teachers, staff, and Aldermen Osterman and Cappleman (the school was redistricted this year from the 48th Ward to the 46th Ward, so both aldermen had a hand in this) -- are to be congratulated and commended.  It was a fun day and there will be more benefits to McCutcheon as the year progresses.  Quite the honor, and McCutcheon deserves it!

Benny took off afterwards in his own custom ride

Read more about it in DNAinfo.