This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Patriots Come to Play at WIS

Super Bowl 50's loss was Branford's gain today, as New England Patriots star Duron Harmon and mascot Pat the Patriot had the chance to check in at Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) this morning, surprising "Super Kid" finalist William Mollow.

The WIS sixth-grader has been helping kids get on board with NFL Play 60's message of staying active and healthy since he was a Tisko student. This year, he made a video to spread the word, and it helped him to go on to be one of three finalists in 2016 NFL Play 60 "Super Kid" national contest. The winner will carry the ball onto the field at Super Bowl 50.

Mom Lynda Leeder-Mollow told Zip06 NFL Play 60 officials were impressed with Mollow's video and his in-person interview, and even though he just missed the top spot (which also included on-line voting), they wanted to recognize him by sending representatives of his favorite NFL team to his school.

Harmon told Zip06 visits like these "put smiles on kids' faces." Asked how he might have felt if his NFL hero dropped in for a visit when he was kid, Harmon said, "amazing."

"It would be a memory that I would never forget," said Harmon. "Hopefully that's what happens here, a moment they never forget -- and that they'll be inspired to be whatever they want to be when they grow up."

Harmon and an irrepressible Pat the Patriot astonished Mollow by dropping in during gym class; with Pat running in a bunch of balloons and Harmon bearing an NFL Play 60 banner with Mollow's name on it. Harmon thanked Mollow for helping his fellow students and talked to 112 delighted eleven-year olds about staying healthy, active and in school. Harmon and Pat stuck around to play Island Ball with the kids, sign autographs and visit some classrooms.

Mollow also helped Dairy Farm Families of Connecticut present a check for $3,200 to WIS to help kids stay healthy. The 11 year-old told Zip06 he got involved with NFL Play 60 to help other kids.

"When I realized how kids aren't getting the right nutrients, that was kind of a problem, because you need to get the right food so you can be active and stay healthy for the day," Mollow said.

Harmon talked to the kids about staying active and eating healthy all year long -- he recommends strawberry yogurt, milk and oatmeal for breakfast -- and doing their best at school.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without academics," said Harmon, who played for Rutgers University. "My mother was a teacher and she told me not to play sports unless I had a B in every class. So it was something that definitely pushed me to be the player I am. Because I'm not the biggest, the fastest or the strongest; but I pride myself in being one of the smartest, being able to get people lined up, remembering the plays, helping people out when they're on the field. I couldn't do that if I didn't take my study habits from being in fifth grade and sixth grade (to) where I am now, to make me a real student of the game."

"This was a complete surprise," Mollow, who is a huge Patriots fan, told Zip06. "I was astonished. It was so cool to see a football player. You can only see those moments a few times in your life, so it's really special."