May 4, 2010

Garden City, N.Y. -

On May 12, 2010, Adelphi student-athletes will take a trip to P.S. 108, located in Brooklyn, New York, to speak to the students about the importance of hard work and behavior in the classroom. The program is called "Smart Threads," and is aimed to give incentives for students to work harder in the classroom in hopes of planting the seed to allow our nation's youth to believe that they can do anything they set their minds to.

"Smart Threads" will begin with a fourth grade class at P.S. 108. The students will be involved in the program which will take place over a course of 20 days. In these 20 days, the teacher, Rebecca Melzer, will give out stars and place them on a chart for every student who has a positive attitude and behavior. After the 20 days have ended, the top-five students will receive an article of clothing, complimentary of the student-athletes at Adelphi University.

After the visit to P.S 108, the students will also get to participate in an Adelphi women's softball clinic, where they will work closely with the Lady Panthers. When asked about the program and the clinic, senior softball player, Katie Brophy mentioned:

"I think it is a great idea; not just for the university, but also to teach the kids the importance of team work and hard work."

The date of the clinic is still undetermined due to the student's state testing, with an anticipated date of the middle of June.

"Smart Threads" was developed by head softball coach, Paige Smith, and Marketing and Promotions intern, Danielle Parks at Adelphi University. This particular visit is being run by a graduate sports marketing class in an effort to reach out to students, while also exposing Adelphi.