Amongst a sea of orange – not gold and blue - West Virginia University Mountaineer Mascot Troy Clemens addressed students of Simpson Elementary School Wednesday morning.

 

The reason for his special appearance was two-fold: It was the third Wednesday in a “Walk to School” series annually observed each October and this year it happened to fall on Unity Day – a day when people across the nation unite to take a stand against bullying.

After meeting Walk to School participants at the corner of Philadelphia Avenue and Center Street, Clemons led the group to Simpson Elementary, where in the school gym/cafeteria, he took the time to share his ideas on Wednesday’s observance.

 

“He talked about Unity Day and incorporated our super power of the week – compassion,” said Kristy Marshall of Simpson Elementary PTA. “He briefly spoke to the kids about being a buddy and not a bully, always including everyone and showing compassion.”

 

A different “super power” - or combination of two - has been featured each week of October, Marshall said. Others include consideration, kindness, responsibility, honesty and attitude. Principal Jill Steele addresses the characteristics on the school’s closed-circuit “Morning Minute.”

 

The students were very excited about the Mountaineer’s appearance at their school, Marshall said. He seemed to enjoy himself too, even stopping once in a while to pose for a photo op – or even tie a shoe.

 

The orange attire is part of the Unity Day observance on a national level. The City of Bridgeport also declared Wednesday Unity Day and encouraged employees and residents to sport orange.

 

See a collection of photos at the gallery link below.