CSU athletics in mentorship program

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Greene County News

WILBERFORCE — Central State University and Morrison Elementary in Dayton have recently partnered to create a mentoring program.

Student-athletes from CSU will be working with second and third grade students on developing personal and academic skills.

Trisha Engle, high school counselor for Northridge Local Schools, recognized a need for positive role models for students of all ages. In an effort to impact students at a younger age, she contacted Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Athletics Jahan Culbreath, and the two schools began to coordinate over the summer months. The goal of the mentorship program is to connect student-athletes with the youth at Morrison Elementary to serve as mentors and guide them in a positive direction.

Program topics include self-esteem, decision making skills, proper etiquette, academic performance, peer relationships, leadership skills, communication and college planning.

After much preparation, the students met with their CSU mentors for the first time Aug. 20. Morrison students had an opportunity to tour the CSU campus, eat lunch with their potential mentors and were introduced to campus life. The highlight of the day was participating in a friendly game of kickball with the CSU mentors and staff.

“I am at a loss for words on how I feel,” Morrison Principal Derrick Thomas said. “I want so badly for our children to know that they are valued and they can and will do great things in life.”

Following the initial meeting, CSU student-athletes began visiting Morrison Elementary on a bi-weekly basis. Students from Morrison took a field trip to Lucas Oil Stadium a couple weeks ago to cheer for the CSU football team as it competed in the Circle City Classic.

The program will continue with various activities throughout the 2016-17 academic year.

Content provided by Central State University.

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