Swenke ES student enjoys Astros Take a Player to School program

Sept. 14, 2011— Swenke Elementary School fifth-grade student Caleb Henson had a special day with members of his favorite Major League team on Tuesday, courtesy of the Houston Astros Take a Player to School program, presented by Whataburger.

The program encouraged fans to participate in an online essay contest that awarded one lucky student the opportunity to take a player to school at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. The Astros received more than 950 entries from parents, relatives and friends of area first- through eighth-grade students.

On Tuesday morning, Henson walked out his front door to be greeted by Astros mascot Junction Jack, who accompanied Henson in a limousine ride to the school. Upon arrival, Junction Jack escorted Henson to his homeroom class.

Junction Jack returned at lunchtime with retired Astros’ great Craig Biggio to treat Henson and his friends to a Whataburger lunch. After lunch, Biggio spoke briefly to Henson and his Swenke classmates.

“The day was very special,” said Swenke principal Elizabeth Miller. “From the moment Caleb jumped out of the limo with Junction Jack, there was a feeling of energy and excitement that was contagious. It would have been impossible to see the joy on Caleb's face and not have felt proud to be a part of the event.

“Craig Biggio did an amazing job. The individual attention he gave to Caleb, his brother and Caleb’s friends was very special. Overall, the event touched the life of a very special young man and I know he will never forget it.”

Henson’s dream day concluded with four Astros Suite tickets for Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to the game, Henson took the field at Minute Maid Park to throw out the honorary first pitch.