Solid Orange Squad Members Visit Five Schools on November 18-20

Nov. 25, 2009

Crosswell Elementary School: On Wednesday, November 18, the Solid Orange Squad traveled to two different schools. The athletes visited Crosswell Elementary and Stone Academy. Laura Browning (swimming and diving), Ameerah Aly (rowing), Liz Robb (rowing), Michelle Nance (rowing) and Deanna Piper (swimming and diving) celebrated Children’s Book Week at Crosswell Elementary. The athletes visited classrooms ranging from kindergarten-fifth grade to read a story to the students and encourage literacy. All 486 of the school’s students received a visit from a Tiger athlete.

Stone Academy: Later that afternoon, Darius Acker (track and field), Rashard Hall (football) and Chad Holt (cross country) traveled to Stone Academy to meet with a small group of “at-risk” fourth and fifth grade students. These students are part of a leadership development program called C.H.A.M.P.S. which stands for Challenging High Achievement through Male Participation. The program is designed to provide mentors and positive role models for the students.

The athletes talked to the students about Clemson athletics’ character education program, Be A T.I.G.E.R.!, promoting teamwork, integrity, gratitude, education and respect. Each athlete shared personal experiences in their sport and in their life related to the value of each character trait. Following the discussion the athletes handed out special treats to the students and signed autographs.

Carlos Littlejohn, Administrative Assistant at Stone Academy remarked, “Thank you for allowing the athletes to come to Stone and speak to our students. The guys did an excellent job and we thoroughly enjoyed them. We appreciate your help and support in motivating our students.”

Homeland Park Elementary: Mairi Trimboli (rowing) visited Homeland Park Elementary on Thrusday, November 19 to meet with the school’s Be A T.I.G.E.R.! Book Club. The student members of the club had read the first 60 pages of Jerry Spinelli’s book Crash. Trimboli led the students in a book discussion and will return later in the year to lead another discussion upon the students’ completion of the novel.

Concrete Elementary School: On Friday, November 20, Bethanie Wachna (track and field) and Meredith Razzolini (rowing) traveled to Concrete Elementary to present the Be A T.I.G.E.R.! Assembly. The students received a surprise visit from the Tiger mascot who stopped by to aid the athletes in teaching the students about teamwork, integrity, gratitude, education and respect.

Welcome Elementary School: On Friday afternoon, Paige Griffith (rowing), Darius Acker (track and field), Chad Holt (cross country) and Liz Robb (rowing) traveled to Welcome Elementary to spend time with approximately 500 students who are participating in the No Bullies Allowed program. The program promotes respect to students and the community. The athletes promoted the T.I.G.E.R.! traits emphasizing respect through interactive skits and games with the students.