SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (April 18, 2014) -- Nearly 1,000 kindergartners wiggled and giggled in anticipation of the "extra-special surprise guest" slated to make an appearance at any moment inside the Hale Kula Elementary School cafeteria, here, Tuesday.
To help ease the anxious energy in the room, Capt. Sheryl Milford, a dietician from Tripler Army Medical Center, entertained the keiki with easy-to-remember health tips, such as "always eat breakfast every morning" and "get outside and play at least one hour a day."
Then, the big moment came.
The stage curtains parted, and out walked a very tall, very orange celebrity: Tony the Tiger!
The popular cereal mascot made time in his very busy schedule to visit Army children, here, as part of Schofield Barracks Commissary's monthlong celebration of Month of the Military Child.
"Military children are grrrr-eat!" said Tony, who also thanked the Commissary for helping him make the trip to Hawaii.
After the squeals of glee settled down, Tony's young fans marched single file to the front of the room to receive a handshake, high-five or hug from the friendly feline, as well as a free mini box of cereal and goodie bag filled with fresh fruits and other healthy treats.
"It's just a fun way to celebrate military children, and (it) also highlights the importance of eating healthy," said Denise Logan, produce manager, Schofield Barracks Commissary, who noted that the Commissary has a Kid Zone display set up in the produce section through the end of April.
"It's specially designed with mini apples, oranges and 'keiki cucumbers,' so kids can pick out fruits with their parents," Logan said.
The Keiki Zone also is outfitted with activities and a coloring section.
To round out the month, the Commissary will host an Easter Egg Hunt, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, April 19, in the store's produce section. Each child who finds an egg will receive a goodie bag, and there will be a special prize for those who find one of four golden eggs.
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