Athletics hosts Be a Student-Athlete for a Day

More than 70 NAU student-athletes served as hosts to students from Beaver and Kinsey elementary schools for Be a Student-Athlete for a Day, attending university classes throughout the morning and touring other campus facilities together.

The event culminated with a luncheon held on the field of the Walkup Skydome for all the visitors and student-athletes.

"It was nice to have both schools part of the event this year," said senior swimmer Kelly Busche, who coordinated the event with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "They seemed to have a ton of fun. The student-athletes loved taking the little kids with them."

The elementary students sent thank-you notes to the department last week.

South Beaver student Tessa Lucero wrote to soccer player Kylie France.

"Hanging out with you guys made me change my mind about what I want to be when I get older," she wrote. "I want to become an athlete."

National Student-Athlete Day honors student-athletes and the network of parents, coaches, teachers and school systems who make it possible for young people to strike a balance between academic and athletic achievement.