The Office of the Superintendent of Schools recently took a sort of “school field trip.” The education department attended a Bridgeport Bluefish baseball day game to represent the 31 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The Bluefish offered the Superintendent, Dr. Steven Cheeseman, and his staff complimentary tickets as part of their Non-Profit Appreciation Day initiative.
Dr. Cheeseman had the privilege of throwing out the first pitch; however the newly appointed superintendent extended the offer to a student. “While I am honored to have been selected, I thought it would be more fitting if a student from one of our schools had this opportunity for a memorable experience,” commented Dr. Cheeseman.
Anthony Virgile, a 15 year old student at St. Catherine Academy Special Needs School in Fairfield was chosen. Dr. Cheeseman joined Anthony and his principal, Brian Farrell, on the mound to start the game. Anthony admits he was a little nervous but no signs were evident to those in the stadium. “I was very impressed by his demeanor. He was confident, yet humble. He proudly represented our Catholic schools in the diocese,” observed the Superintendent.
The crowd cheered as Anthony threw a strike! Anthony’s smile was visible all the way from the sky box. He remarked, “I can’t believe they picked our school. I am so happy to have been chosen!”
In addition to the students and staff of St. Catherine Academy, the fourth grade from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Fairfield was also in attendance. Students from St. Thomas School participated in many on-field promotions which included a dance competition and a race against the Bluefish mascot.
