MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University gymnastics team traveled back in time last week, revisiting their grade-school years and making a surprise stop at Morgantown’s Skyview Elementary on Feb.3 to drop off boxes and bags of donated books and school supplies.

 

Mountaineer Nation answered the call on Jan. 29, bringing with them to the Mountaineers’ “Teacher Appreciation Day” meet books for all ages, including the latest, much coveted Captain Underpants novel, as well as book bags, pens, markers, pencils, notebooks and crayons.

 

With donations in hand, four Mountaineers – freshman Abby Kaufman, sophomore Carly Galpin, junior Jordan Gillette and senior Mackenzie Myers – and assistant coach Kaylyn Millick arrived at the school Friday afternoon before departing Morgantown for a meet at Kent State. There, they met with select students, rummaged the boxes of supplies and reinforced the importance of reading and studying.

 

“We love any time that our students can be blessed by our community and by WVU,” Skyview Principal Jennifer Cox said.

 

The No. 24-ranked Mountaineers have an extra-special relationship with Skyview Elementary, as 2012 graduate and two-year WVU graduate assistant Nicole Roach teaches fifth grade at the school.  

 

“It’s extremely exciting,” Roach said. “Being a part of the Mountaineer gymnastics family, and knowing that my family is still supporting my Skyview family and me is amazing. The kids were so pumped when they saw new things, and we can always use more supplies. I appreciate the Mountaineer fans’ willingness to give.”