Playground equipment in the form of soccer balls, basketballs and 4-square balls were also purchased. Probably one of the most educational and rewarding parts of the grant program, however, has been the teaming of College basketball players with pen pals in Terra Sunderman's third grade class. The College basketball players have a goal of writing to their pen pals twice a month and the third graders do the same. Sunderman uses her students' letter writing activities as part of the requirements in her English class. Stationery for the class is provided through the grant.
Students improve their writing skills while they feel a connection to someone they admire.
Being the role model is a real benefit for the players as well. They look forward to letters from their third grade pen pals and are more likely to think of their actions in terms of what they teach children. But the value of the program does not end there. The grant program has improved the adjustment period for some students. Payne enjoys working with children and feels this program will help him relate better to children in his chosen career of law enforcement once he graduates.