The Dallas Mavericks have a program called Mavs Academic All-Stars. Teachers from the entire DFW area nominate students based on grades or if a student has a huge academic improvement. Carissa was selected to be one of the 2012 Mavs Academic All-Stars. One of the perks is that Carissa and the other All-Stars were able to attend the zoo with a couple of Mavs players. We did not know who would be there, but I checked her out of school early and off we went. We were super excited to meet Lamar Odom and Delonte West. The first 30 minutes was an educational talk about conservation and the zookeeper also introduced some animals and gave a brief overview. Right before the talk started, Lamar Odom sat next to Carissa, chatted with her and even shared his Mike & Ike candy. After the chat, the All-Stars and players went to the giraffe exhibit and had the opportunity to feed the giraffe's romaine lettuce. Carissa said the giraffe licked her and it felt like a super wet towel. Yuck!! Carissa's classmate, Isaiah, was also chosen as an All-Star and Delonte West picked him up to pet the top of the giraffe's head. :)
Here is a post from the ESPN blog:
We are extremely proud of Carissa and her accomplishments!! Way to go, Carissa!!!
Lamar Odom sharing candy with Carissa
Listening to the conservation lecture
Carissa and Isaiah
Getting an autograph from Lamar Odom
Getting an autograph from Delonte West
Carissa, Isaiah and Lamar Odom
