That’s right Freedom, NFL superstar Hines Ward has returned to school. However, not just any school, our very own Freedom Area Middle School. On October 27, Ward met his “Take a player to school” (sponsored by JC Penny) sweepstakes winner, David Grove. Early that morning, a limousine pulled up in front of the Grove’s house and out popped Ward to meet the entire family. The school was decked out in Steelers decorations, as well as the students, teachers, and other staff members clad in Steelers apparel. When Ward and the family finally arrived, they were greeted by a mob of reporters, photographers, and JC Penny representatives, and were escorted to Mr. Gallagher’s office to sign autographs. An assembly was boiling in the auditorium, awaiting Hines Ward to introduce himself to the students after the signing. As he peered around the corner of the curtain on stage before the students, a roar of cheers erupted from the crowd. He then began his speech, telling the students to play at least 60 minutes a day in attempt to encourage a more active lifestyle. The students asked him some tough questions, and he surprised everyone with a check for two thousand dollars going towards the school’s athletic program. Grove’s homeroom met Hines in the gym for a fun-filled hour of exercise. This included multiple stations like a football toss, dodge ball, and jumping rope, and ended with an obstacle course. To end the visit with a bang, Hines had the students make up touchdown dance ideas for him to use in future Steelers games. Make sure you tune in on Sundays to support your Pittsburgh Steelers, and to see which touchdown dance he chose.