YORK, Pa. — Ahead of gameday, a flock of ravens descended upon the City of York to give hundreds of kids the surprise of a lifetime.
Students at five elementary schools across York were treated to surprise pep rallies by members of the Baltimore Ravens. This marked the first time the organization came to York County for an event.
Students got the chance to meet with the Ravens' marching band, cheerleaders, and mascot, Poe.
Favianny Inoa, a seventh-grade student at Ferguson K-8 School, said she enjoyed watching the Ravens' cheerleaders perform their routine.
“When [the cheerleaders] jumped, I was like, ‘Ahh!’ Everybody was getting wild," said Inoa.
Khamiah Lee, an eighth-grade student, said the pep rally was the best assembly the school has ever hosted.
"It was fun! I liked it a lot," said Lee.
Students were encouraged to wear purple and black before the pep rally and to cheer for the Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
However, a few teachers broke the dress code to support black and gold.
“I might get a little smack for talking about the Steelers, but it’s all fun and rivalry," said Matthew Mitzel, a third-grade teacher at Ferguson K-8 School.
Teachers and students spent Friday morning dancing and cheering with the Ravens and took in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ahead of Sunday’s game.
“I was actually getting a little emotional," said Kim Vottero, a fifth-grade teacher at Ferguson K-8 School. "My eyes were welling up because I was excited to see my students so excited and happy."
The Ravens and Steelers will kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.