Husker Student-Athletes Send Message Loud and Clear: ?SCHOOL IS COOL?

Authored by Keith Zimmer

Nearly 40 Husker student-athletes volunteered from March 2nd through March 9th to speak to 10 Lincoln Public Elementary Schools about the importance of education.  A staple of the Ventures In Partnership (VIP) relationship between Lincoln Public Schools Department of Special Education and the Husker Life Skills program since 1988, "School is Cool" Week is designed to reinforce the importance of education, goal-setting, work-ethic, leadership and total person development.

Senior-to-be-football student-athlete Ben Cotton understands the importance of education and models his message perfectly.  Cotton will play his senior season with degree in hand and has already started work on his MBA.  "I told the kids that sports are short-term and you must have your education to set you up for the rest of your life," stressed Cotton.  Teammate and future elementary teacher Robert Barry talked about the importance of having a dream and working hard to make it happen.  Said Barry, "I had the dream of playing for the Huskers and knew that by focusing on school I would have the chance to go to college and be in a position to play Nebraska Football."

Teachers like Amy Clark from Sheridan Elementary were impressed with the student-athlete speakers.  "They were very genuine, patient, encouraging and inspirational."  Added Kathy Roselius, Assistant Principal at Holmes Elementary, "the Husker athletes were very well received by our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students.  It was also a wonderful experience for our special needs students to host and introduce the athletes," concluded Roselius. 

"School is Cool" week is a "win-win" event and one that will likely continue well into the future.  Area students are reminded about the value of education and personal development while Husker student-athletes have a chance to improve their leadership and interpersonal skills while above all making a positive difference in the lives of children.