Student-athletes talk to schoolchildren

Olutoyin Augustus remembers what it was like to be a kid -- impressionable and open to the positive influence of someone a little bit older.

Now that she's a freshman on the Penn State women's track team, Augustus will try to have that same influence when she speaks to area elementary school students today about topics such as self-esteem, avoiding drugs and the importance of education.

"I've always wanted to get involved with kids," she said. "When I was young, I always listened more to speakers around my age."

Augustus will be one of many University student-athletes reaching out to local schoolchildren as a part of this week's celebration of the 11th anniversary of National Student-Athlete Day.

On Wednesday, six student-athletes and Golden Key Honor members will team up to present the "Best of America" program at Penns Valley and Rebersburg Elementary schools. This program is designed to teach refusal skills about drugs and alcohol.

On Thursday, 150 fifth-grade students from the Williamsport School District will visit the University to meet with their "Penn Pals." About 300 students are involved in the program, but only half make the trip to University Park. Throughout the year, student-athletes write to each of the fourth- and fifth-grade students, said Susan Cacciotti, coordinator of the Nagle CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.

In addition to these activities, senior volleyball co-captain Tomuke Ebuwei and senior basketball player Pete Lisicky will appear on WRSC-AM (1390)/WCLF radio's "Sportsline" program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today. Ebuwei also will take part in the WMAJ-AM (1450) "Happy Valley Viewpoint" program at 8:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The Illinois Student Athlete Advisory Board plans to recognize student-athletes in local high schools.

"We want to see students in the Champaign-Urbana area to be recognized for their athletic and academic achievements," said Marty Kaufmann, communications manager for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Illinois.

Purdue University started its celebration with the "Senior Salute," an awards ceremony dedicated solely to fourth-year student-athletes. Throughout the week, student-athletes will also participate in a canned food drive, with each team competing to collect the most food.

"We've received great support from the community," said Sue Aufderheide, academic coordinator of athletics at Purdue.

National Student-Athlete Day also recognizes the network of people who support student-athletes, including parents, coaches, academic advisors, faculty and administrators.

At Purdue, selected members of each athletic team will write thank-you letters to coaches, University staff and members of the community, Aufderheide said.

"It's a great way to thank the people who have supported them through the years," she said.