Andrew Luck quarterback sneaks into a class of third graders

This day was supposed to be a normal, ho-hum Friday of class for third grade students at Danville South Elementary School.

And then ... a quarterback snuck in.

These little fans were unprepared for their 6-4, 234-pound visitor, flabbergasted that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback was live and in the flesh.

Well, here's how the surprise went down.

The class of 25 students were standing up in rows doing knee lifts and other exercises -- exercises they thought were being filmed for a Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health video and Andrew Luck's health and wellness program "Change the Play."

Then a knock was heard at the door.

In walks Luck.

"Hey guys. Is there room for one more to join you?" he asks the students, whose hands immediately go over their mouths, who bend over in disbelief. Squeals are heard. Smiles spread across their faces.

"Yeah? Yeah? I can come in?" Luck asks them. "Where should I go? Can I go right in the middle back there?"

Of course, the class agreed. Luck joined in with the exercises. He autographed the backs of their T-shirts. And then, just to be fair, Luck surprised the rest of the school with an assembly in the gym where he spoke and answered questions about "Change the Play."

The program, designed by Luck and IU Health, is an eight-week course of health challenges designed to encourage kids to make better choices about food and exercise.

The unexpected school visit by Luck came about after a winning essay, centered on the program, was written by the third graders' class teacher, Kaleigh Branchick.

"With all the standardized testing my kids will be going through in the next few months, I want to help keep their minds and bodies healthy and energized," Branchick wrote. "I hope that through this program my kids will learn what it means to be healthy and continue a healthy lifestyle even after this program has ended.

"Benjamin Franklin said, 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.'"

Involve Luck with kids and they certainly do learn. Branchick's class has been working out to Luck's videos every day.

"And when I forget, my kids remind me," Branchick said. "And we make sure we squeeze it in even if it's at the end (of the day)."

Principal Tina Noe has watched the kids taking to Luck's physical challenges and said it is a true motivator for them to get healthier.

"They are finding different ways to use moves Andrew has taught them in the videos," Noe said. "It's cute to watch them kind of make it their own."

Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.