BALTIMORE – Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Roquan Smith visited a Baltimore City school on Sunday to make sure students are prepared for the first day of school on Monday.
Smith partnered with the Fund for Educational Excellence and Rob’s Community Barbershop Foundation to provide school supplies and haircuts to 100 students at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School.
“I remember when I went back to school,” said Smith, a two-time Pro Bowl player and playing his second full season with the Ravens. “It’s a great feeling to be here with these kids and see them smiling and excited to go back to school.”
Students received backpacks, folders, pencils, paper and more. Additionally, barbers and stylists were on hand to provide free back-to-school haircuts.
“It’s cool that they came here for us,” said fifth-grader Alston Fitz.
Mia Matthews, who will soon be entering middle school, said she wanted to dress impressively and therefore chose braids.
“I love how they look on me and they make me happy,” Matthews said.
Smith arrived at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School with Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders and Poe, the team’s mascot, and families had access to arts and crafts and recess-related activities.
“I’ve been a Ravens fan since I was two years old,” Matthews said. “I come from a family of Ravens fans.”
Natasha Pouncey, principal of Hamilton Elementary/Middle School, said the community support helps give students the confidence they need for the school year.
“So many of our families in this community will benefit from this resource, and I think the support of the Ravens is the motivation,” Pouncey said.
Smith, a former college football player from Georgia, offered some words of wisdom to students as he begins his seventh season in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of education above all else.
“When you’re involved in sports, you work just as hard in school as you do in sports,” Smith said. “I think if you have that recipe for success, nobody can take anything away from you.”
