Mylan Park Elementary gets a Big 12 makeover in advance of Arizona game
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MORGANTOWN - Let the record show that Anne Lupo most certainly did not do an endzone celebratory dance Thursday morning at Mylan Park Elementary.
But hey - it was pretty close.
"I was right there, I have to tell you," the school principal said, laughing. "Very exciting."
And that's because the school at the top of Chaplin Road was in the big leagues on the crisp, autumn day, courtesy of the Big 12.
Lupo's school was a stop in the Big 12 Conference's annual fall tour.
Officials are in the University City in advance of West Virginia University's football matchup Saturday with Arizona.
Kickoff for the nationally televised contest is noon at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mylan Park got a comfortable new makeover for its library as part of the doings, in an upgrade made possible by a grant from the Big 12 and College Football Playoff Foundation.
"We received all new furniture," Lupo said. "Great places for our kiddos to cozy up and lose themselves in a good book. And new carpeting. We love it."
Besides Mylan Park's students, the real blue-chipper of the morning, the principal said, was teacher Wendy Smith.
Smith, who teaches third grade, was the recipient of the conference's "Going the Extra Mile" award and the $1,000 that comes with the recognition.
"Wendy's a superstar," Lupo said.
The morning featured breakfast, balloons and a performance by Mylan Park Elementary's choir.
A number of WVU student-athletes were also in attendance with Wren Baker, athletic director, who also made remarks.
Margaret Frank of the College Playoff Foundation also took the microphone, as did administrator Jenn Hunter of the Big 12 Conference and Jackie Suchoza of the School Specialty national vendor group.
"It was a great morning," Lupo said. "We're happy for our library and very proud of Wendy, who is most deserving of her recognition."
The conference events continue today with the "Allstate Empowerment Luncheon," featuring remarks from alumni who have succeeded in business - along with other leaders and entrepreneurs across the region.
Nashville singer and songwriter David Lee Murphy will perform in concert Saturday morning before the game.
Visit https://wvusports.com for the full rundown of the Big 12 visit and this weekend's events.