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Auburn has a lot of fans in the state of Alabama. But the school recently gained some new young fans in Chicago.
This spring, a second grade class at Schmid Elementary School in Chicago made a video about Auburn University. The video included facts about the university and its traditions. For the video, the class dressed in navy blue and orange, the school’s colors.
The video found its way to Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs, who was excited that the class had picked his school, and was impressed by the second graders’ knowledge of the university.
“I couldn’t believe that this group of second graders had taken the time, all the way in Chicago, to learn so much about Auburn,” Jacobs told ESPN. “My first thought was, ‘What can we do for them?’”
Auburn responded by sending Aubie, the school’s mascot, and Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson to the school to meet the students at an assembly. And to invite them to visit Auburn. The class, most of whom live near or below the poverty line, had much of their travel expenses paid for by Auburn alumni and boosters. For many of the kids, it was the first time they’d ever been outside of Chicago.
.@FootballAU embraced a Chicago elementary school after the 2nd grade class produced an Auburn-themed video. https://t.co/9n3ccdktQ1
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) October 31, 2015
The students visited the university in September. They saw an Auburn football game. They got to participate in the Tiger Walk. They were given Tigers jerseys. They were recognized on the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn offensive tackle Jordan Diamond, a Chicago native, spoke to them and encouraged them to dream big.
“I was in the same shoes, growing up the same way and I can be a role model for them,” Diamond said. “I was – I am – them. I still am.”
Since returning from the trip, many of the kids have said they want to go to Auburn one day.
“It was a blessing for us to be a part of planting those seeds of opportunity and dreams,” Jacobs said. “And dreams can come true.”
