Mascot for Albany River Rats encourages Amsterdam students to read

Large rats are generally not welcomed guests in schools, but dozens of Tecler Elementary students were about as excited as they could be to see Rowdy, the mascot for the Albany River Rats.

Rowdy was on hand to promote his Reading with Rowdy program, which encourages students to read more. Students who complete the program receive an autographed picture from Rowdy, a certificate of merit and a free ticket to a River Rats game.

Annette Twardy, who teaches second-grade at Tecler, heard about the program recently when she attended a River Rats game. Unfortunately, it was too late for her students to participate this year, but Twardy said Rowdy agreed to visit the school to encourage students to read more and to participate next year.

"We'll start earlier next year so they can earn tickets to go to a game," Twardy said.

The Reading with Rowdy program was created in 2003, and dozens of schools from around the Capital Region participate each year, said Shannon Richie, the team's director of community relations.