It’s not every day that the students of Hendley Elementary have John Walton, voice of Capitals Radio Network, emceeing their class assembly.

Walton was on site at the Southeast DC school to introduce three special guests from the Washington Capitals: Nicklas Backstrom, Braden Holtby, and Tom Wilson, who delivered 75 laptops and 45 tablets as ambassadors for the So Kids Can charity.

“DC’s always embraced us, we’ve got amazing fans, an amazing support system. It’s fun to get back into the city, help out, have fun with the kids and that’s what it’s all about,” said Wilson in an interview with Fox 5 DC. “It’s definitely home to us now.”

Walton also surprised Hendley students with the news that their school would be the recipient of a makeover of one of their learning spaces, courtesy of a grant by So Kids Can and Heart of America Foundation. The announcement left Hendley principal Sundai Riggins speechless.

So Kids Can was founded in 2008 by former Capital Mike Green and radio host Elliot Segal. Backstrom joined in 2011, Holtby in 2015, and Wilson in 2017. The electronics were donated by MSE Foundation, which has a partnership with Hendley through DC Public Schools’ Adopt-a-School program.

Photos