Student-Athletes Partner with the West End School in Pen Pal Program
May 04, 2018 | Beyond the Buzzer
UofL student-athletes and the West End School participate in a pen pal program
The University of Louisville's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) continued its partnership with the West End School this year with the start of a pen pal program.
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The West End School provides at-risk boys from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with an environment to excel in academics and build character. UofL student-athletes were paired up with students in the third and fifth grade classes and sent letters back and forth throughout the school year. The pen pals met each other on April 18 during an activity-filled day at the Speed Art Museum.
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The Speed Art Museum hosted and created a memorable day for pen pal pairs. Activities included fort building, artwork inspired games, photo album decorating, and taking goofy pictures with polaroid cameras.
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"My favorite thing was meeting my pen pal and learning more about him, connecting with him, and doing all the different activities with him," said women's soccer student-athlete, Tori Gabor. "I really like doing stuff with The West End School because it creates a good opportunity to make an impact in someone else's life."
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Ryan McMahon, men's basketball student-athlete, found the pen pal program and event rewarding, and enjoyed being a mentor. "I think that the best part about it was having some fun with them, seeing the different activities, seeing them at that age and giving them any advice that I can from when I was that age."Â
According McMahon the partnership is important because it builds a community. "It [the partnership] brings everybody together and puts perspective into the student-athlete's life, and just taking a little time out of your day you make another kid's day."
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McMahon's words prove that this partnership is not only valuable and impactful to the young students of The West End School, but also to Louisville student-athletes. The SAAC will strive to continue to support the students of The West End School with future programs and events.Â
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The West End School provides at-risk boys from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with an environment to excel in academics and build character. UofL student-athletes were paired up with students in the third and fifth grade classes and sent letters back and forth throughout the school year. The pen pals met each other on April 18 during an activity-filled day at the Speed Art Museum.
Â
The Speed Art Museum hosted and created a memorable day for pen pal pairs. Activities included fort building, artwork inspired games, photo album decorating, and taking goofy pictures with polaroid cameras.
Â
"My favorite thing was meeting my pen pal and learning more about him, connecting with him, and doing all the different activities with him," said women's soccer student-athlete, Tori Gabor. "I really like doing stuff with The West End School because it creates a good opportunity to make an impact in someone else's life."
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Ryan McMahon, men's basketball student-athlete, found the pen pal program and event rewarding, and enjoyed being a mentor. "I think that the best part about it was having some fun with them, seeing the different activities, seeing them at that age and giving them any advice that I can from when I was that age."Â
According McMahon the partnership is important because it builds a community. "It [the partnership] brings everybody together and puts perspective into the student-athlete's life, and just taking a little time out of your day you make another kid's day."
Â
McMahon's words prove that this partnership is not only valuable and impactful to the young students of The West End School, but also to Louisville student-athletes. The SAAC will strive to continue to support the students of The West End School with future programs and events.Â
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