BOWIE, MD --- Student-athletes of the Bowie State University football team spent time at Whitehall Elementary school on Monday, Mar. 15 as a community service initiative. The visit was the second time the Bulldogs visited Whitehall Elementary as part of establishing a partnership with the school and the football program for mentorship. Whitehall Elementary School is one of 123 elementary schools within the Prince George's County Public Schools System and is located in Bowie, Md., roughly three miles from BSU campus.

"It was truly rewarding witnessing the positive interaction that took place between our student athletes and the students at Whitehall Elementary," said Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, Avery Williams. "I was extremely pleased and fulfilled, as I observed the reaction of the elementary school students who were full of excitement when we arrived.  It was even more rewarding seeing members of the football program have a sense of purpose while pouring into the scholars there and taking ownership of the visit. Our student athletes immediately, upon leaving, expressed looking  forward to remaining involved with the elementary students in the future and expressed appreciation for the hard work as well as collaboration of everyone involved to make the visit a rewarding experience."

During the visit, student-athletes spent time in respective classrooms, building a rapport and engaging scholars in conversation during their career day program. BSU football student-athletes and Whitehall Elementary students engaged in many discussions regarding the significance of taking education seriously in an effort to encourage literacy.  During the discussions, the Bulldogs conversed with students about school and interests, as well as answered an array of questions ranging from college academics, football, personal goals, training and diet, to specific position related techniques.

(Pictured are members of the Bowie State football team and students from Whitehall Elementary School)

Here's what other BSU student-athletes had to say:

"First, I would like to thank Whitehall Elementary on behalf of the Bowie State University Football Program for giving us the opportunity to come and speak with their students. Having that opportunity was an amazing experience for me. I understand the importance of giving back to the younger generations as, in the near future, they will be running our nation. I really enjoyed being able to share my life experiences with the kids about school, discuss sports, and having a chance to go to recess with them. I truly want to thank the staff and students for being so polite to us. I would love to go back at any time and continue building with the students there."
- Senior Wide Receiver,  Shawn "Awesome" Waller

"Going to Whitehall was a great experience for me. The kids made me feel like I was a Superstar while we were there.  I was extremely happy just to see how excited they were. The students were really smart and well spoken. I always love giving back to the community. I would have never known about the impact and opportunities that are available to pay it forward without this experience. The students that I had a chance to interact with were very intelligent and I believe the sky's the limit for them.  I look forward to our next visit."
- Junior Defensive Back, Tommie McKoy, III 

(Pictured are members of the Bowie State football team and students from Whitehall Elementary School competing in a race during recess)
 

"Participating in the community service event at Whitehall Elementary school was a blessing. During our visit, we had an opportunity to empower the youth by talking to them about the importance of school, listening to their teachers and parents, as well as providing some insight on ways to keep a good mental health. The kids were very attentive while taking in the knowledge being shared and they also asked  some great questions. We also had a chance to go to recess with them which was extremely fun and provided us an opportunity to create everlasting memories."
- Junior Wide Receiver, Antwain Banks 


For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.