Number of Participants: 8
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $557
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Boys Basketball
School: Clarence Senior High School
Date: January 27, 2026
Location:
Clarence High School
Main Street, Clarence
NY
About:
Small moments can leave a lasting impression—especially when they bring students together across grade levels. Recently, members of the Clarence varsity basketball team took time out of their morning to greet students at Clarence Center Elementary School, creating a positive and memorable start to the school day.
Organized by School Resource Officer Michael Ballow, the morning greeting initiative gives student-athletes the opportunity to connect with younger students throughout the year. As elementary students arrived at school, they were welcomed by varsity players offering smiles, high-fives, and words of encouragement—simple gestures that helped set an uplifting tone for the day.
The visit reinforced the important role student-athletes play as leaders and role models within the school community. By showing up consistently and engaging with younger students, the Clarence varsity basketball players demonstrated that leadership extends beyond the court and into everyday actions.
For elementary students, seeing older peers take the time to greet them builds confidence and fosters a sense of belonging. For the athletes, the experience serves as a reminder that their influence reaches far beyond competition, helping shape a school culture rooted in respect, pride, and connection.
Initiatives like this reflect the strong sense of community across the Clarence Central School District, where students support one another and take pride in representing their schools with character and care. Through meaningful interactions like these, Clarence student-athletes continue to lead by example—one morning greeting at a time.
