Milwaukee Bucks surprise students after fire destroys elementary school
By Hannah Hilyard
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Lunchtime hit a little differently at Pulaski High School when some of the Milwaukee Bucks showed up for a big surprise.
Pulaski took in all the students from Lincoln Ave. School after their school burned down in June. Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins and players Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and Kel’el Ware showed up to the building Wednesday wanting to recognize and celebrate both student bodies.
“I just want them to be able to feel that, you know, people care for them. People are here for them. And you know, it’s a safe environment,” said Ware, Bucks center.
The visit began with the Bucks recognizing Pulaski High School ninth graders for welcoming the younger students into their school this year. Afterward, the team joined the Lincoln Avenue students for lunch, where pizza, ice cream, and salad were served.
Jakučionis, Bucks guard, said, “Salad, tomatoes, all the healthy stuff,” when asked what he was handing out. He added, “I was trying to make sure they take their salad!”
The students were thrilled by the visit. “I said, ‘Oh, I hope you guys win this year!'” said Thiago Rodriguez, a fifth grader from Lincoln Avenue School.
“Pretty exciting!” said Donavin Batista, another fifth grader. “This usually doesn’t happen!”
Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins also attended, handing out team swag and sharing his thoughts on the students’ resilience. “We’re just happy to be able to come here, celebrate that, recognize, and it actually rubs off on me, too,” Jenkins said.
The Bucks acquired Jaquez Jr., Jakučionis, and Ware in a summer trade with the Miami Heat. The Heat received superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ first preseason game is Oct. 5.
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