Akron Middle students and a crocheted dragon with honorary Ph.D. earn a CNN 10 shoutout

^{CNN 10 host Coy Wire introduces Dr. Pickles as he gives a shoutout to Ashley Reuss’ Akron Middle social studies class}

Students in Summit Academy Akron Middle School’s social studies class and a small, green crocheted dragon they affectionately named Dr. Pickles received an enthusiastic shoutout from CNN 10 host Coy Wire on October 24.

At the beginning of each class, taught by Ashley Reuss, the students watch the 10-minute, school-focused news program to learn about current events and global issues. Over time, the middle schoolers have evolved as big fans of the show, Reuss says.

^{Summit Academy Akron Middle School teacher, Ashley Reuss, with sidekick, Dr. Pickles, which she crocheted to go with student letters to CNN 10.}

“I have used CNN 10 in my classroom for several years, but this group of kids was the first who were super passionate about trying to earn a shoutout on the show,” Reuss says. “They realized the schools that send letters and trinkets often get shoutouts.”

^{Students in Mrs. Reuss’ social studies class at Summit Academy Akron Middle School write letters to CNN 10 host Coy Wire.}

The students not only took note of the observation but followed through on it with a letter-writing campaign to the show host. They sent along Dr. Pickles, a mini version of the school mascot crocheted by Reuss, with their letters.

“From there we watched every day, and checked on Fridays when we had no school, and waited patiently until it was finally our turn,” explains Reuss. She says Wire featured Dr. Pickles (and his birth certificate) on the show as he gave the students their much-anticipated acknowledgement. Fast forward to 8:59 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu6B1O-cPQE .

A special “Welcome to the CNN 10 family” greeting to Dr. Pickles topped of the shoutout.

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