Basketball Buddies
Basketball Buddies is a program in which athletes from the high school basketball team are paired with Kindergarten and First Grade students. Buddies meet once a week for about 20-30 minutes, during which time they complete activities or spend time together reading, and talked about decisions made and consequences of behaviors. High school students are challenged to step up and be role models for younger students, requiring them to be aware of their words and actions and what kind of example they are setting. Elementary students are provided with these positive role models, which helps them in making decisions about how to behave and what sort of person they want to grow up to be. On both sides, buddies are given opportunities to work on their social interactions, learn ways to make others feel appreciated, and the importance of caring for others.