The University of Connecticut Division of Athletics has initiated a new community service program called “Husky Reach”, through the support of the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc.

This program is aimed at providing positive role models to the children of Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester, Conn. UConn athletic teams and student-athletes have adopted Verplanck and participate in a variety of programs aimed at teaching the value of education, sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork in programs with the elementary school students.

The SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. was established in 2000 by Connecticut Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the former Savings Bank of Manchester in Manchester. The SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. is committed to bettering the lives of those who live and work predominantly in Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties.

In this first semester of spring 2008, the program focuses on building relationships and provides access to UConn student-athletes, which will help the children understand the concept of college and opportunities that accompany a college degree.

“Husky Reach” provides a structured weekly opportunity for UConn student-athletes to volunteer their time in the community. The program reflects a variety of times and activities to allow maximum support from the various teams in all seasons of competition.

More than 20 student-athletes visited the school over the first three weeks of the program. UConn student-athletes and Verplanck teachers are already starting to see what a difference this relationship has made.

“Verplanck children are now talking about college, athletics and sports they could not name prior to the UConn visits,” said Principal Mary Luce. “They are using words like campus, dormitory and courses. They are using a language that will take them to the future that will make them the leaders we want them to be.

“It is the difference between learning about a college education and a bright future or having a high school diploma and not reaching academic potential. It is, and this is not an understatement, the difference between a life filled with the benefits and opportunities offered by a college degree or one that is not.”

After the program’s first week early in the semester, both the UConn student-athletes and students and faculty of Verplanck are excited for the relationships and experiences that will be gained over the next few months.

“I was really impressed by the students’ enthusiasm so early in the morning,” said Brittany Hunter of the women’s basketball team. “The staff there is so amazing with the positive environment that they create for the student to learn in and out of the classroom. I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning soon.”

During the first visit to the school-wide “Morning Circle”, student-athletes from the baseball, lacrosse, rowing, women’s basketball, football and women’s ice hockey team gave a presentation about teamwork and led the group in a teamwork activity. Since, the Verplanck students have been reproducing the activity, the human knot, during recess and engaging in conversations about how to be good teammates.

The following week, the student-athletes and managers of the golf team, along with head coach Dave Pezzino, came to the After School Program to help with homework and play games. The group of 12 visitors split up in order to work with the different grades. After introductions, finishing homework and beginning relationships, the student-athletes introduced the Verplanck children to a variety of activities.

The week before Verplanck’s winter break, Danielle Delponte, a junior on the softball team, took the initiative to visit the After School Program by herself. She divided her time between the study groups and made lots of new friends. Then, she led the Verplanck students in a cheer of ‘UConn/Huskies’ and a game of kickball.

The Division of Athletics and student-athletes alike recognize the potential of outreach and impact UConn Athletics can have on the community. Husky Reach looks forward to providing that opportunity and making a difference in the lives of Verplanck students and their families.

“We are committed to giving back to the community,” says UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway.  “Through the generosity of the SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc., we have been able to create a meaningful program at Verplanck Elementary which is impacting the lives of young people.  Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have enjoyed participating in this important initiative with Principal Luce and the faculty at Verplanck.”

In the upcoming weeks, Husky Reach is looking forward to more “Morning Circle” and After School visits and a pep rally to get ready for the Connecticut Mastery Test. The support and enthusiasm from Verplanck and UConn is shedding light on the potential that exists with this program. Even in its infancy, Husky Reach has been able to spark relationships that have the potential to not only make a difference, but to last a lifetime.