JRW player celebrated at first day of school

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Jackie Robinson West player Pierce Jones was one of the thousands of students who went back to class today and his school held a party to honor his team's inspiring championship.

Jones, an eighth grader, is back after an extraordinary end of summer at the Little League World Series, where he and his team mates at Jackie Robinson West won the national title.

Governor Quinn welcomed the students and proclaimed his JRW pride.

Vanderpoel's principal Elena Bell says the success of Jackie Robinson West players and others can have a powerful impact on other students.

The rally also featured accomplishments of other students over the summer. Sixth grader Desmond Dunn's basketball team won fourth in the state. He said he's ready to try another sport: baseball

Second grader Xoie Alston wants to play baseball, too. She says Pierce is "cool" because he and the Jackie Robinson West players kept playing even if they weren't winning.

It's hard to say what message sticks with the students here at Vanderpoel and around Chicago. The hope is watching the Jackie Robinson West players may inspire young people to work hard toward their dreams. If that's not it, they have certainly inspired more baseball players.