Beyond Basketball

After surprising Ms. Pantuliano's class, Stephon takes over the school's PA system. "I'm Stephon Marbury from the New York Knicks, and I have a big announcement today," he says. "I'm excited to come in and tell you guys that the whole school is going to have a shopping spree at Steve & Barry's. And on top of that, the whole school is coming to a Knicks game!"

For Ms. Pantuliano, Stephon's visit is about more than just fun surprises. "Their letters brought Stephon Marbury and The Oprah Winfrey Show to our little classroom in Red Hook, Brooklyn," Ms. Pantuliano says. "And to them, to know that their writing has meaning and that their words have power, I think, is a very powerful lesson—one that will carry with them forever."