KU Student-Athletes Make Semester Trip to New York Elementary in Lawrence

Dec. 7, 2004

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Two “Life Skills for Student Athletes” classes made their semester trip to New York Elementary School to meet with the students in the fourth and fifth grades Monday and Tuesday.

As a part of an ongoing partnership with New York Elementary in Lawrence, approximately 50 student-athletes from the classes made a trip at the end of the semester to meet and chat one-on-one with a child from that school. Along with spending quality time getting to know and listen to their new “little buddy”, the student-athletes share some personal stories about being successful in reaching goals in life.

“The KU student-athletes seek to encourage these youngsters to strive to achieve great things in their lives and to be willing to work hard to make their dreams come true,” said KU professor Phil Lowcock.

“For the student-athletes, this activity serves as an effective reminder that the great efforts they are making in the classroom, in practice, and in other areas of their lives are an important investment toward reaching their own lofty goals,” Lowcock added. “It is also a poignant reminder that many young people look up to the student-athletes as role models and that the wise decisions they make are important personally as well as in setting a great example for many children. This is always a meaningful as well as fun activity.”