web.njit.edualonso/CommunityService/St Philips... · Web viewVolunteer Joseph Ju spoke about his experience at St. Philips Academy; “Honestly speaking, [reading to the kids] was

The NJIT XC/Track & Field teams continue their long established tradition to giving back to the

community by helping out at various events throughout the state.

Several volunteers from the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field team

participated in a unique community service project at St. Philips Academy in Newark located just blocks

from NJIT’s campus. Morgan Akins, Pierre Damis, Kelsey Jackson, Joseph Ju, Lucas Lamb, and Steve

Nunez spent a couple of hours on April 10 th and 11th reading to various kindergarten and first grade

students for the school’s reading month. The athletes read a number of books, some which were chosen

by the elementary school students, and others that were under a certain genre such as fiction and non-

fiction books.

The children were enthused and inspired by the athletes, and the event was an overall success.

Volunteer Joseph Ju spoke about his experience at St. Philips Academy; “Honestly speaking, [reading to

the kids] was the most fun I had at a community service project. The kindergartners were adorable and

it was really cool how they looked up to us!” Volunteer Morgan Akins also added, “It felt good to

participate in such an event. The kids were very excited and it was ultimately a great and enjoyable

experience. I would definitely do it again if I were given the chance!”

Because of the amount of success this event was, the track team was asked to participate in

future events at St. Philips Academy. A special thanks goes to Nii Abladey Otu, representative of St.

Philips Academy for his efforts in organizing and running this wonderful community service experience.