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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane’s Jefferson Elementary kindergartners host pre-Super Bowl party

The buildup began long before the first snap.

Kindergartners in teacher Andrea Sims’ Jefferson Elementary class have been wearing blue and green every Friday since September. They sent Christmas cards to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. They’ve taken pictures with a poster of Wilson and written sentences about what they would do if they could spend a day with the quarterback.

“We also talk about how it’s not about winning or losing, and Wilson’s philosophy of never giving up,” said Sims, who calls herself “the most fanatical fan ever.”

Now, just days before the big game, Sims invited Tara Stefanoff’s kindergarten class for a pre-Super Bowl party Thursday, where the kids made fan gear and shouted cheers. Both teachers donned Marshawn Lynch jerseys along with other Seahawks garb.

“If you think Russell Wilson will throw more touchdowns than Tom Brady, say ‘yes,’ ” Sims said.

The children’s response, not surprisingly: “Yes!”

“If you think (Richard) Sherman will make an interception, say ‘yes.’ ”

Another explosive yes.

Tables around the art room offered different activities. Jackson Spitz, 6, worked diligently with green and blue construction paper, turning it into a blue headband with green fringe on top. He slipped it over his Seahawks stocking cap.

Why does he like the team? “I like football, and I like tackling,” he said.

The kindergartner would like to go snowboarding with Wilson, but figures he’d probably have to teach the quarterback how to ride.

Other ideas the 5- and 6-year-olds had for hanging out with Wilson included eating green-and-blue ice cream, visiting the Space Needle and, of course, playing football.

Wil Thomas, who sported bright green hair and wore an Earl Thomas jersey, worked diligently on a 12th Man flag at another table. The 6-year-old said he likes the team because “they always win and because they never give up.”

Nearby, girls and boys surrounded a table where fourth-grade helpers painted fingernails in blue and green. Jaren Goldsmith, 5, blew on his hands in between words about his love of the team.

“I’m part of their family,” he said. “My whole family is part of their family.”

While most of the kindergartners named Wilson as their favorite player, Jaelah Powers, who wore 12th Man socks and green bows in her hair, said hers is Kam Chancellor, “because he can jump so high.”

The students have faith that their favorite team will do well Sunday. Nevertheless, 5-year-old Mara Sandberg said if she could hand Wilson a note right before the game, it would say “Win the Super Bowl.”