News

WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State student-athletes doubled their community service during the 2013-14 school year.
They increased their total hours served and doubled the total events participated in.

During the 2013-14 school year, Wichita State student-athletes visited 29 different schools and 22 different community events or organizations.

Totals from 2012-2013:

Total hours: 1,298

Total events: 34

Events in Wichita schools / surrounding schools: 15

Events on WSU campus: 4

Events in the Wichita community: 15

Totals from 2013-2014:

Total hours: 2,076

Total events: 70

Events in Wichita schools /surrounding schools: 35

Events on WSU campus: 5

Events in the Wichita community: 30

Total Impact: approx. 56,600 people

Impact in Wichita schools / surrounding schools: 4,700 kids

Impact on WSU campus: 900 students, faculty, staff

Impact in Wichita community: 51,000 people

Schools visited in 2013-14:

Allen Elementary

Anderson Elementary

Andover Elementary

Andover Central Middle School

Caldwell Elementary

Christa McAuliffe Academy

Cloud Elementary

College Hill Elementary

Colvin Elementary

Dodge Literacy Magnet

Holy Cross Lutheran School

Horace Mann Elementary

Isely Magnet

Jackson Elementary

Jefferson Elementary

KIPP Endeavor Academy

Levy Special Education Center

L’Ouverture Elementary

Maize Central Elementary

OK Elementary

Pleasant Valley Elementary

Princeton Children’s Center

Spaght Elementary

Stanley Elementary

Stucky Middle School

TOP Learning Center

Wheatland Elementary

Woodland Health Magnet

Woodman Elementary

Community Events or Organizations Visited in 2013-14:

Augusta Housing

Back to School Giveaway

Botanica

Cerebral Palsy Foundation

Comcare

Down Syndrome Society of Wichita: Buddy Walk

Farmer’s Insurance Charity Golf Tourney

First Pentecostal Church

Girl Scout Cookie Kick Off

Habitat for Humanity

Heartspring

Kansas Children’s Service League – Red Stocking Breakfast

Kansas Food Bank

League 42

Lord’s Diner

Prairie Fire Marathon

Rainbows United

Ronald McDonald House

Salvation Army

SOC Circle of Friends Walk

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

Wichita Lyons Pancake Feed

May 30, 2014 — As two large University of Wyoming buses and four Suburbans crammed with nearly 80 university employees, student workers and student-athletes rolled down Saratoga’s main street, a couple of customers at a corner convenience store stepped out the front door, pointed at the caravan and waved.

Even Mayor John Zieger came out to personally greet the UW contingent, thanking the group personally for helping his flood-stricken community. Several hard-working National Guardsmen welcomed the fresh bodies who came into the small Carbon County community Friday morning to help in any way they could.

One citizen commented, “The whole community appreciates you being here.”

This week, the North Platte River has peaked to record levels, threatening severe flooding in the community. But, with a week’s worth of volunteer work, most of the tide of water has been held back along the river’s banks, saving the picturesque community from what could have been potential disaster. The town’s business district was dry, but some homes closer to the river experienced flooded front yards.

Volunteers the past week have feverishly filled sandbags, and just this week, Gov. Matt Mead ordered the deployment of three National Guard teams to UW student employee Dani Hitt, from Gillette, left, and Jay Schuckman, both Physical Plant employees work as a team to fill a sandbag.help with the efforts; in all, nearly 150 reservists were boots on the ground leading the charge along with other volunteers.

That’s when the UW volunteers came into the area to put in a full day’s work.

“We have had a lot of good people working a lot of long hours, and we can’t thank you enough for volunteering,” Lt. Col. Rob Miknis told the UW volunteers once they got off the bus for a briefing session.

After the briefing, it was time to roll up the sleeves and get to the task at hand. The UW volunteers were divided into three groups: one filled sandbags; another rode a bus around the community to see the work that was done to help prevent loss of property; and another helped build a berm to hold back water from reaching homes on the northwest end of town.

The two biggest groups representing UW were Physical Plant employees and about 50 student-athletes from the football team. One of them later in the morning commented that throwing sandbags was easier than their daily workouts.

For one player, filling sandbags was familiar. Redshirt sophomore Tanner Simpson of Lander, a secondary science education major — with a minor in psychology — says volunteering for flood relief duty was reminiscent of what he went through the summer before his senior year at Lander Valley High School. The Popo Agie River spilled its banks and caused flooding in Simpson’s hometown.

“I was out there with the other community people helping in any way I could. It was good to get out there and throw some bags and to help those people whose houses were close to the river,” he says.
He adds that it was no problem for him and his teammates to jump at the opportunity to volunteer in Saratoga.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to get out into the community and support our state. It shows that our team really cares about our state,” Simpson says. “This also gives us an opportunity to interact with the community.”

The community aspect is what led UW officials to offer assistance. Four years ago, UW sent a contingent to help when the Laramie River flooded. Since then, the university has been readily available, says Mark Collins, UW vice president of operations.

UW officials learned this week that the real critical need for emergency help was in Saratoga. Collins says UW officials contacted state authorities and indicated that “We were readily available and we could provide between 60-70 people to help with sandbagging or any other emergency operations” in the Carbon County community.

Wyoming Homeland Security Director Guy Cameron contacted Collins and accepted UW’s offer.

“I think we’re really making a big difference here in Saratoga today,” Collins said while tossing filled sandbags onto a pallet for loading.

UW football player Tanner Simpson, left, a red-shirt sophomore from Lander, ties a filled sandbag.One UW group later boarded a transport bus that took it to the edge of town, where water was spilling over the banks and flowing close to property. The only thing separating the river from houses was a large, open pasture.

As four horses munched on grass nearby, oblivious to pools of water surrounding them, the UW contingent formed a long line to help construct a berm about 100 yards from the river.

About 30 UW employees and football players stacked sandbags in a long line that snaked its way from one end of the pasture to the other side, nearly 200 yards. Once that chore was done, the group headed back into town for lunch.

Zach Duval, who has been an assistant coach under head Coach Craig Bohl since January, says it was “pretty easy” for him and three other assistant coaches and team members to volunteer their services.

“We’re actually in the middle of summer conditioning, and we talked to the guys and made it ‘optional-mandatory,’ and here we are,” he says. “We have a very dedicated group of guys who are committed to the community part of their experience because the state gives us so much support. And it’s pretty easy for us to give back.”

Dani Hitt, a student employee in the Physical Plant accounting office, was glad to get out of the office for one day to assist her co-workers on the front line in Saratoga. She hadn’t heard about the threats of major flooding in Saratoga, and had never filled sandbags, but welcomed the opportunity to volunteer.

“We got a tour of the community earlier this morning to see the places where there actually was flooding,” says the senior-to-be English education major from Gillette. “It’s been pretty rewarding for me to come in and help people. I hope that somebody would come to help us if we ever needed it in Laramie.”

Later in the morning, Col. Scott Schofield, joint task force commander on site, stopped by to greet some of the UW volunteers.

“We appreciate all the volunteers who have come in. The people of Saratoga have been very good donating trucks and trailers to load and deliver sandbags. Everybody is focused, and it has been a smooth operation,” Schied says. “Almost everywhere we go in the state, whether it’s firefighting or for a flooding mission, there is always great community support.”

National Guard commanders asked that the UW group stay the entire day and invited it for dinner, which Collins gladly accepted, noting the outreach program that the university was fulfilling.

He adds that UW President Dick McGinity fully supported sending a group of university volunteers to Saratoga.

“He was 100 percent supportive and enthusiastic. We want to thank the president for his support and making this happen, providing the resources to bring our people over to Saratoga,” Collins adds. “I think our young volunteers are really enjoying themselves. The football players won’t be in the workout room today, but nonetheless, they will be getting a good workout.”

Source: http://www.uwyo.edu/uw/news/2014/05/uw-employees-and-students-volunteer-in-flood-relief-efforts-in-saratoga.html

A select few area high school student-athletes got the opportunity to put those qualities to work on Thursday, when the Midland-Wachusett League student ambassadors and athletic directors took part in a day of community service at the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster.

“These kids didn’t hesitate and just jumped right in and did projects today,” North Middlesex Athletic Director James Bunnell said. “It was an all-around wonderful day. It was a good opportunity for kids who have leadership qualities to display them.

Experiences like these are the ones that the kids hopefully remember and learn from.”
The student ambassador program gives two to three students each from local high schools the chance to represent their school’s student-athletes with the league’s governing structure. Students engage in leadership training, activities and also community service projects as part of their development as student leaders.

Twelve member schools sent students and staff, out of the 26 schools in the league, and in total around 40 people participated. Local schools represented included Fitchburg High, Oakmont Regional, Leominster High, Nashoba Regional, North Middlesex Regional and Gardner High.

Prior to teaching and becoming an athletic director, Bunnell volunteered for the Boys & Girls Club in Leominster. When the league was looking for a community service project, he reached out to his former colleagues and coordinated the day.

“Being part of the Boys & Girls Club for three years when I worked here, the kids just lit up when someone gave back and came to help out,” Bunnell said. “For some of these kids, it’s all they have, and to be able to give back is a great thing.

Our student ambassadors are high school students giving back to other kids and helping someone who was in close age to them. ”
Some of the projects included helping refurbish a volleyball court, maintaining some of the grounds, cleaning a shed, fixing bicycles, washing windows, and cleaning rooms.

“We split up into teams and divided and conquered,” Fitchburg High junior Isabel Wilder said. “We picked weeds, cleaned tables and the gym, and we were able to get a lot done. It was a great environment where everyone worked together, supported each other and tried to achieve the same goal.”

After their service, students ate hot dogs and hamburgers from Central Street deli and got some time to mix and mingle. The experience provided a unique opportunity where students had the chance to befriend athletes from opposing teams and forge friendships.

“It was really cool to meet the people I’ve been playing against, and even those I haven’t been playing against,” Oakmont junior Kate Magee said. “We have a lot of things in common and it was really fun.”

In addition to the obvious benefit for the community, events like Thursday’s can build important experience for college résumés.

“If you want to be a leader, you’ve got to give back to your community,” Oakmont junior David Quaye said. “I’ve been on a few college tours, and most colleges talk about giving back to their community. Colleges look at applications to see if you volunteer, because if you do it in high school, you will do it in college.”

Earlier in the academic year the ambassadors participated in a leadership day at the Special Olympics facility in Marlboro. They engaged in leadership discussions, team building, trust building exercises and lectures. The community service day was the second in a two-pronged approach to leadership development.

The Boys & Girls Club primarily serves youth from Leominster and Fitchburg, but it is open to all children in the region. It relies on a mostly volunteer workforce, where the focus is in the arts, science, technology, engineering and math.

The organization is looking for volunteers to run programming as well as more typical community service projects. On June 8 there will be a 5K run/walk to benefit the club at its Lindell Avenue site, and the club is looking for people to help administer the race. To volunteer, visit the club’s website: http://www.bgcfl.org/.

“It was fantastic (to have the student ambassadors), there’s always stuff that needs to be done here,” Boys & Girls Club volunteer coordinator Rebecca Cyganiewicz said. “We have upward of 500 kids here every single day, the place gets messy, and we have a lot of programs going on. So any help we can get, we’re very grateful for.”

By Matt Stewart

Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/highschoolsports/ci_25871898/local-athletes-take-time-give-back#ixzz33URioc7F

ELLENSURG, Wash (May 31) — Members of the Central Washington University football and baseball programs teamed up with fellow university students at a local fundraiser called “Fun Fair for Anthony” Saturday morning at Valley View Elementary School.

Anthony Lopez is an 11-year-old Ellensburg boy who has several physical disabilities and is transitioning from elementary school to Morgan Middle School next year., The “fun fair” fundraiser, which was organized by CWU communication majors, raised money to offset Anthony’s medical bills, help purchase an adaptive bike for navigating Morgan Middle School, and possibly help Anthony attend summer camp later this year.

The fun fair had multiple “carnival like” activities for youth to participate in, and at almost every station the kids were met by student-athletes who helped guide them through the activity.

The most popular activity was the kickball and tee-ball station manned by CWU baseball players Scott Stone, Kasey Bielec, and Michael Sullivan., When Anthony arrived at the event, this was the first station he attended and his giant smile was greeted by Stone and Bielec who helped Anthony take some swings off the tee.

“It was great to see Anthony again,” said CWU third baseman Kasey Bielec., “I know how much he [Anthony] loves the baseball team and it felt great to help him out. It was a great experience for me to be there with all the happy kids, I cant think of a better way to spend my Saturday.”

This was not Anthony’s first interaction with the CWU baseball team, as he met all the members of the club and threw out the first pitch on senior day at the CWU Baseball field back in April.,

The event raised more than $835 for Anthony, which almost doubled the goal set by the COM 371 class that put on the event.

“The event went great and we almost raised double our goal for Anthony,” said public relations major Claire Cox, who was one of the event organizers., “Having the student-athletes there was the best part of the experience according to our surveys and comments from the parents., The fact that the student-athletes were having just as much fun as the kids, if not more, really proved that the event was a hit.”

If you would like to make a donation to Anthony you can visit Sparrowclubsusa.org and follow the steps under “donate” to find Anthony Lopez and make a contribution.

Source: http://www.wildcatsports.com/news/2014/5/31/BB_0531145005.aspx

LEOMINSTER — Leadership, bonding with fellow students, and a sense of duty to the community — these are among the traits that participation in sports helps to foster.

A select few area high school student-athletes got the opportunity to put those qualities to work on Thursday, when the Midland-Wachusett League student ambassadors and athletic directors took part in a day of community service at the Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster.

“These kids didn’t hesitate and just jumped right in and did projects today,” North Middlesex Athletic Director James Bunnell said. “It was an all-around wonderful day. It was a good opportunity for kids who have leadership qualities to display them. Experiences like these are the ones that the kids hopefully remember and learn from.”

The student ambassador program gives two to three students each from local high schools the chance to represent their school’s student-athletes with the league’s governing structure. Students engage in leadership training, activities and also community service projects as part of their development as student leaders.

Twelve member schools sent students and staff, out of the 26 schools in the league, and in total around 40 people participated. Local schools represented included Fitchburg High, Oakmont Regional, Leominster High, Nashoba Regional, North Middlesex Regional and Gardner High.

Prior to teaching and becoming an athletic director, Bunnell volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club in Leominster. When the league was looking for a community service project, he reached out to his former colleagues and coordinated the day.

“Being part of the Boys and Girls Club for three years when I worked here, the kids just lit up when someone gave back and came to help out,” Bunnell said. “For some of these kids, it’s all they have, and to be able to give back is a great thing. Our student ambassadors are high school students giving back to other kids and helping someone who was in close age to them. ”

Some of the projects included helping refurbish a volleyball court, maintaining some of the grounds, cleaning a shed, fixing bicycles, washing windows, and cleaning rooms.

“We split up into teams and divided and conquered,” Fitchburg High junior Isabel Wilder said. “We picked weeds, cleaned tables and the gym, and we were able to get a lot done. It was a great environment where everyone worked together, supported each other and tried to achieve the same goal.”

After their service, students ate hot dogs and hamburgers from Central Street deli and got some time to mix and mingle. The experience provided a unique opportunity where students had the chance to befriend athletes from opposing teams and forge friendships.

“It was really cool to meet the people I’ve been playing against, and even those I haven’t been playing against,” Oakmont junior Kate Magee said. “We have a lot of things in common and it was really fun.”

In addition to the obvious benefit for the community, events like Thursday’s can build important experience for college résumés.

“If you want to be a leader, you’ve got to give back to your community,” Oakmont junior David Quaye said. “I’ve been on a few college tours, and most colleges talk about giving back to their community. Colleges look at applications to see if you volunteer, because if you do it in high school, you will do it in college.”

Earlier in the academic year the ambassadors participated in a leadership day at the Special Olympics facility in Marlboro. They engaged in leadership discussions, team building, trust building exercises and lectures. The community service day was the second in a two-pronged approach to leadership development.

The Boys and Girls Club primarily serves youth from Leominster and Fitchburg, but it is open to all children in the region. It relies on a mostly volunteer workforce, where the focus is in the arts, science, technology, engineering and math.

The organization is looking for volunteers to run programming as well as more typical community service projects. On June 8 there will be a 5K run/walk to benefit the club at its Lindell Avenue site, and the club is looking for people to help administer the race. To volunteer, visit the club’s website: http://www.bgcfl.org/.

“It was fantastic (to have the student ambassadors), there’s always stuff that needs to be done here,” Boys and Girls Club volunteer coordinator Rebecca Cyganiewicz said. “We have upward of 500 kids here every single day, the place gets messy, and we have a lot of programs going on. So any help we can get, we’re very grateful for.”

Read more: http://www.nashobapublishing.com/townsend_news/ci_25859619/local-athletes-lend-helping-hand-at-leominster-boys#ixzz33CsM8vkc