Trio of student-athletes helps kids in Indy
By Aleta Cox
Three Earlham students participated in community service and were honored as outstanding student-athletes by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last Thursday, April 1, as part of the NCAA’s Student- Athlete Day.
According to the NCAA Web site, the NCAA’s Student-Athlete Day recognizes the accomplishments of student-athletes nationwide who excel in the classroom, on the playing fields and in their communities. This year, senior soccer player Franny Newport and senior basketball players Katy Buda and Jayana Sims participated in the day’s events.
The day began at 8:30 a.m. when student-athletes from several Indiana colleges arrived at the NCAA’s Hall of Champions to meet with a group of 75 campers from an Indianapolis camp called Dream Keepers. The children ranged from ages 5 to 12, and student-athletes were assigned to each of the age groups.
Thanks to the warm weather, student-athletes and campers were able to participate in five outdoor stations that included healthy eating, character building, diversity, teamwork, and role modeling.
The stations were designed to be interactive, and although NCAA staff gave instructions, it was the duty of the student-athletes to encourage and direct the children through each of the activities.
“I was assigned with kids from the oldest age group, so getting them to participate in and really interact with the station’s message was challenging,” said Newport.
The morning events lasted from 9 a.m. to noon with a break for lunch before continuing from 1-3 p.m.
The afternoon included a community service project at King Park in northwest Indianapolis. NCAA staff members, studentathletes and campers came together with local Indianapolis Park and Recreation members to plant trees and spread mulch. An entire playground and nearly 30 trees were re-mulched, and around 15 trees were planted.
“My favorite part of the day was getting to work outside with the kids, helping beautify the park and having lots of fun with the kids at the same time,” Buda said. “It showed me that I can really make an impact in the community and in kids’ lives.”
In addition to the day’s value as a learning and service experience, student-athlete participants were honored with a certificate and a National Student-Athlete Day sweatshirt.
“This is perhaps the first year that the NCAA has held a service project in conjunction with the Final Four events; we have sent student-athletes to the NCAA in the past, but not for events like this one,” said Assistant Athletic Director Jill Butcher. “This opportunity was a special one that I am glad we chose to participate in.”
The participants in this year’s Student-Athlete Day expressed encouragement for future participation in the event.
“It was really rewarding and it provided a fun opportunity to get to know other athletes from other schools, as well as the opportunity for some of our own athletes who play different sports to get to spend some quality time together,” said Newport.
Buda said, “I would tell future student-athletes to take this opportunity if it’s given to them, because it’s fun, a time to spend time with an amazing group of kids, and it’s great to be recognized by the NCAA as an outstanding student-athlete.”
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