UNLV Student-Athletes Make Santa Clothes Program Another Success Dec. 14, 2007
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The Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) in University College joined the Rotary Club of Las Vegas for the 12th Annual Santa Clothes Program. This year was the biggest ever, with over 40 student-athletes from more than 10 teams participating in the event that benefited 292 children. The teams included Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Cheerleading, Softball, Volleyball, Women's Golf, Track and Field, Football, Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball. The Rotary Club members and other volunteers took groups of underprivileged children from the Las Vegas area to various J.C. Penney locations in the valley to shop for winter clothes that they need.
After the shopping spree, the children came to UNLV's Rebel Park outside of the Lied Athletic Complex. They were greeted by student-athlete volunteers, as well as SAAS and Athletic Department staff. The students volunteered during the last days of finals to impact the children's lives.
The student and staff volunteers ran various stations that children participated in throughout the morning. These included stretching, football, volleyball, soccer, softball, cheerleading, and a fun game of dodge ball with coaches and staff from the Women's Basketball program. Athletic Trainers also volunteered their time to provide water and first aid for the children outside.
After the fun on the field, the children enjoyed a pizza lunch in the Lied Auditorium and heard from two special guest speakers: Head Men's Basketball Coach Lon Kruger, and Wink Adams, a junior point guard. On their way out, the children received their choice of athletic balls for an early holiday gift. "I wanted to do it because I thought the kids would appreciate it," said Mario Jeberaeel, a senior University Studies major focusing on Education and Counseling. "I like doing stuff for them because if I do something positive then they know they can do positive things in life."
The Santa Clothes Program is part of Student-Athlete Academic Services' Life Skills Program. Community outreach programs will continue throughout Spring 2008, starting with Nevada Reading Week at the end of February.
UNLV Student-Athletes Impact Children on Career Day
Nov. 14, 2007
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Two UNLV student-athletes spoke to students at Ullom Elementary on Friday, November 9th. Samantha Lantefield, a freshman cheerleader from Star, Idaho, and Samuel Tuala, a freshman football student-athlete from North Las Vegas, made a huge impact on the children.
Samantha and Samuel rotated between classrooms, speaking to students in the third through fifth grades on their Career Day. Samantha spoke about how she balances school, cheerleading, and working almost full-time at a retail job. She also shared why she came to UNLV to study from Idaho. Samantha is majoring in psychology and told the children that she plans to counsel teenagers with depression and other disorders when she completes her education.
Samuel discussed a typical day in the life of a football student-athlete. He balances school, football, and working for his father's business. He emphasized the importance of obtaining a college degree to find a good job and be successful. The children asked Samantha and Samuel various questions about education, athletics, and life.
The students of Ullom Elementary learned that they too can go to college and even participate in athletics. Tips offered by Samantha and Samuel included for them to use a planner, always do their homework on time, ask teachers for help, and have the goal in mind right now to attend college.
Community service activities are part of UNLV's CHAMPS/Life Skills program for student-athletes. Co-coordinated by Lisa Levine and Kim Underwood, student-athletes have the opportunity to get involved locally through various events throughout the school year. Partnering with the Rotary Club of Las Vegas, UNLV Athletics' next upcoming event is Santa Clothes, on Thursday, December 13th. Service opportunities continue in the Spring with Nevada Reading Week at the end of February.
