Every Friday during the 2009 fall sports season, senior and junior athletes from GHS went to RVH to talk to and interact with the younger students.
The athletes spoke about the importance of keeping grades up and of being a high school athlete. They also prepared the students for Friday night’s game.
"I liked it when the football players came because they were wearing their jerseys and playing that night," said Mitch Adams, a first grader in Beth Towner’s class.
Classmate Lara Mallams concurred, saying, “I liked it when they would talk to us, and we could ask them questions. We would say that we want to grow up to be like them. They told us they had to study very hard and work very hard to go and play their games. They said that homework comes first."
Regarding the visits, kindergarten teacher Nancy Boore said, “The athletes really connected with the kids. They love it when the older students come and tell them that they went to kindergarten at Girard.”
Fifth grade teacher Tracy Belcher added, “The kids really enjoyed the talks and had a lot of questions for the athletes, who talk about subjects like keeping grades up, working as a team, adopting healthy habits to stay fit, and being happy about their sport.”
The athletes also enjoyed their visits. Senior volleyball player Carly Twarog said, “It was really great to see the elementary kids and how much they support the Trojans.”
Senior football player Jared Twarog agreed, saying, “It was awesome to see how much RVH students care for our teams.”
Athletes who spoke to the students included Gina Abati, Heather Ashmore, Andrew Augustin, Christina Biancarelli, Morgan Boore, Eric Bowman, Haley Brown, BryAnna Burks, Cody Cherry, Paige Davied, Kolter DeLange, Kenzie Dunlap, Katy Gorentz, Tyler Egbert, Jeremey Grosstephen, Irving Guzman, Will Holt, Dylan Kratz, Kylie Kunshek, Carly Lallemand, John Leach, Tate Nelson, Carly Twarog, Jared Twarog, Andi Umbarger, Katie Viets, Tessa Westhoff, and Maria Wilson.
Football trainer Austin Price organized the visits.
GIRARD —
