Oct. 16, 2009

Manuel Leads Service Project at Local Middle School

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State women's basketball team spoke about the importance of education with eighth grade students at W.S. Guy Middle School in Liberty on Thursday.

The project, the team's seventh of the semester, was overseen by senior Rachael Manuel. The Penguins' student-athletes encouraged the school's 162 eighth graders to become more involved at school so they can take advantage of all the opportunities education can present in life.

Each senior on the YSU women's basketball team annually chooses, organizes and leads a community service project every year.

"I picked this community service project because I think it's important for kids to have role models," Manuel said. "I really wanted our team to talk with the kids about doing well in school and working hard in their extracurricular activities whether it be sports, band, choir or whatever else they are involved in. I think it's also  important to get out there to their school to speak so our team can be more personable."

"I think the kids really liked the experience," Manuel continued. "They were interested in what it's like being a college student-athlete and the types of things we do. They also became more interested what went on at YSU, which I think is really important for the university. I don't think the kids realize that they have an amazing opportunity because a great college is just right down the road for them."

The Penguins will hold their first official practice Saturday at 8 a.m.