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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Poland Union Elementary School students in Karen DiVito's second grade class listened to Harlem Globe Trotter Hoops Green Dec. 14.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Hoops Green pulled volunteer student Mackenzie Bond from Karen DiVito's second grade classroom who she nick named "little hoops".
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Hoops Green performed tricks for Karen DiVito and her second grade students Dec. 14 at Poland Union Middle School.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Hoops Green from the Harlem Globe Trotters posed with Karen DiVito's second grade class Dec. 14.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Hoops Green visited Karen DiVito's second grade classroom at Poland Union Elementary School Dec. 14, speaking to students about bullying and the perks of working as a team.
By JESSICA HARKER
A member of the Harlem Globetrotters visited Karen Divito’s second-grade class at Poland Union Elementary School on Dec. 14.
Hoops Green, the 15th woman to join the Harlem Globetrotters, visited the class after they won a competition hosted by WFMJ.
“The girls in the class are so excited,” said Union Principal Mike Masucci.
Divito’s class was nominated for the competition by class parent Farrah Simerlink.
During the event, Green spoke to students about her time in the Globetrotters and what it means to be a team member. She brought volunteers to the front of the class, teaching them tricks and spreading an anti-bullying message.
“The Globetrotters are the ambassadors of good will,” Green said. “Doing these events helps spread smiles.”
Green taught the class the meaning of the acronym T.E.A.M. or “talk, empathy, asking questions and mobilizing.” She spoke to the class about the importance of talking to each other about any problems they may have, asking questions and working together.
After her talk, students around the room asked Green a number of questions. Students were curious about the best and worst parts of being a Globetrotter, as well as how many autographs she had to sign.
“They are just so excited and I love to be able to deliver that message in a fun way and knowing they learned something while I was here is always worth it,” Green said.
She said her passion for basketball started when she was young, watching her older brother play.
Green has been playing since she was 4-years-old, and played professionally overseas in Spain, the Czech Republic and more.
“When I play, I feel comfortable, I feel like I am in my element,” Green said.
She said that the switch from playing professional basketball to playing with the Globetrotters was difficult at first, but is a lot of fun.
“You go out, you entertain, you smile, and you go and try to have fun,” Green said. “It’s very rewarding.”