TULALIP — Tulalip Elementary fifth-graders Weslynn Jones and Antonio Martinez found themselves rewarded for their performance in class when representatives from the Everett Silvertips showed up at their school Dec. 8 to present them with tickets to a hockey game.

The Silvertips’ “Kids at the Rink” program, made possible in part through donations from the Marysville Rotary, accepts nominations from teachers and other educational staff for elementary and middle school students throughout the Marysville School District.

Silvertips Broadcasting and Public Relations Director Jon Rosen explained to Tulalip Elementary teacher Michele Tanne’s fifth-grade students the connection between academic and athletic achievement.

“Just like you guys, the Silvertips players are students who have to learn in class, do homework and study,” Rosen said. “They can’t practice if they’re not doing their school work.”

Tanne explained that she nominated Jones and Martinez for both academic and athletic achievements. In October, Jones was a “Math Star” and Martinez was an “Orca Reader.” Tanne praised Jones’ improvements toward becoming very consistent with her homework, as well as Martinez’s strong effort in returning homework.

According to Tanne, Martinez is a grade-level reader, while Jones has made great improvement in her reading. Like the rest of Tanne’s class, Martinez and Jones are engaged in a publishing project, with Martinez working on a mystery story book and Jones working on a book on poetry.

Both students are in the school’s strings program, with Jones practicing her violin.

Tanne also noted Martinez’s improvement in spelling investigation work.

“The Silvertips players accomplish things by setting goals, just like we do in class,” Tanne said.