For almost 50 years, Fredbird has been entertaining St. Louis Cardinals fans at the baseball games, playing pranks, doing dances and running around Busch Stadium with a Cardinals flag after a victory.

On March 19, the Cardinals’ mascot entertained the students and staff members of Jonesburg Elementary School as part of the Fredbird and Friends Elementary School Program. For an hour, he teamed up with former Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan to help teach the students about having success in life as well as bring in some fun at the school’s cafeteria.

It’s Fredbird’s first visit to JBE in 12 years. Roxanne Sellenriek, a substitute teacher at JBE, helped bring the program to the school. It took her about seven years to do it.

“We did it in 2014 and I applied again the next year because you’ve got to fill out an application to do it,” Sellenriek said. “Then they said we had to wait five years, so I just started after five years filling out an application. Then, COVID stopped the program. Then, they restarted with this program, which is the teamwork program. It was a long time coming and I was so happy to do it because I love these kids and I love Jonesburg Elementary.”

JBE was awarded to host the program with Fredbird in January, just three months after Sellenriek filled out an application.

“They’re such a cool group that does this for schools and it’s a free program,” Sellenriek said. “So you just apply for it. Within a mile range, they will come out to your schools. So it’s worth a shot for everybody to try. It’s really amazing. I’m so thankful that we got picked this year.”

During the program, students learned four things to be successful – be a good teammate, be active, be responsible and be yourself. Also, Fredbird handed prizes to five students and did dances with several of the staff members.

“It’s a really cool program and I just think the kids get a kick out of it,” Sellenriek said. “It makes my heart so happy to help bring them happiness.”

Sellenriek was also happy to see Fredbird for the first time since 2014.

“I was a PTO president, so I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, it’s a really cool program. Let’s see if we can get Fredbird.’ Who would have thought he could come to our school?” Sellenriek said.

The Fredbird and Friends program goes to the schools that are located within a 60-mile range from Busch Stadium. JBE is 67 miles from the ballpark.

McClellan, who pitched for the Cardinals from 2008-2012, said he enjoys working with Fredbird, who has been the franchise’s mascot since 1979.

“My job is easy once he comes out,” McClellan said. “He takes all of the attention off of me.”

McClellan has been a performer in the program for about 10 years.

“I came in and watched a few programs and every performer has their own style they put on,” he said. “We kind of tweak it as we go and add some things here and there, but for the most part, it’s been a lot of fun.”