Thorobreds in the Community | 2/22/2023 3:29:00 PM

On DII Day today, members of the Kentucky State track and field, softball, and baseball teams had the opportunity to participate in a community engagement activity.

Kentucky State University Athletics partners with a local elementary school, Second Street School, to provide reading and math support in the classroom, lunch buddies, and mentorship.

Community engagement is a big part of Division II and Kentucky State University Athletics. Representatives from Kentucky State University Student-Athlete Advisory Council organized an effort to participate in the classrooms at Second Street School for several hours with multiple student-athletes attending from various teams. 
 
DII Day is an opportunity for all individuals associated with Division II to celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on their campus and community.  Division II has always sought to make a positive impact on local communities through engagement with their communities. Division II schools and conferences foster a balanced and inclusive approach for student-athletes in which civic engagement plays a key part in the educational experience.

Softball Sophomore Aaliyah Yates spent time with the students of Second Street School and said, "When visiting the elementary school today, I got to experience the joyous and ambitious young children in our community. One of the students asked to help her with Lexia assignment.  There were a few times when she messed up but she continued to point at the sign on the board that said 'I can't do it yet' but always responded with 'but I will'.  Spending time with them opened by eyes and made me realize that they look up to us and we should be setting an example.  Everything we did, they grasp and soak it all in.  Providing this guidance has given them an outlet and inspiration in the future." 

Senior Track and Field Lester Simmons enjoyed spending time with the students."I had an amazing time… My favorite part was when they said 'Mr. Simmons I would love to read and talk about what we are reading as we go.  I love talking about animals and their environment and how they act everyday'.  Also, they only let me read three pages out of twenty.  They wanted to read the entire book to me.  It was so heartwarming and great!" Simmons said. 

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