Community Service Initiative is off and Running!
By Deb Kozak, Office of External Affairs
In addition to daily practices and a full schedule of matches, Varsity and JV athletes at The Montclair Kimberley Academy have added a community service component to their team activities this year.
Spearheaded by MKA’s Director of Athletics, Todd Smith, and our Director of Community Service Programs, Dr. Denise Brown Allen, each team now assumes responsibility for a community service project during the course of the season or school year. As Smith explains, “Many of our athletes felt that they didn’t have the time to take part in any of the school’s community service offerings throughout the year. By making this a part of the team culture, our athletes now have an opportunity to give back, as well as participating in a great team bonding experience.”
Smith says that he thought of the idea after reading about a community service program for athletes that is in place at the University of North Carolina, Chapel-Hill. Smith states “If UNC-Chapel Hill can do it, why can’t we do it at the prep school level and here at MKA!”
“It's imperative that our kids have a true understanding of working with each other and giving back to our community and many of our athletes feel that they do not have the time to take part in anything during the school year.” Smith states, “We believe that this is a great way to unite our teams towards a common goal or project.”
Projects taken on by some of the fall sports teams included a fundraising volleyball game between the boys’ soccer team and the girls’ volleyball team, a Lift-a-thon for the Chris Spielman Breast Cancer Foundation by the football team, participation in the New York City “Buddywalk” for the National Down Syndrome Association by the field hockey team, creating holiday baskets for the needy by the girls’ soccer team, and participation in a “Serve-a-thon” by our volleyball team that raised over $1,300 for Hurricane Katrina Relief and the American Red Cross.
“I have been delighted with the response from coaches and students to the Athletic Community Service Initiative. The projects have been creative and model the tradition of service within the MKA community,” states Dr. Denise Brow-Allen. She goes on to say, “What pleases me most is the initiative developed from our students' desire to take part in more community service. Students whose athletic schedules prevented them from participating in the after-school service projects we offer throughout the school year.”
Marnie McNany, Head Field Hockey Coach states, "It is easy to think about a season in terms of numbers: wins and losses, shots and saves. However, more important is enjoying the moments and opportunities where the players show us the people they are and how much they care for the people they play with and for."
Community service projects for the winter season kicked off on Sunday, December 11, when the girls’ basketball team sponsored an MKA Faculty vs. Harlem Rockets charity game to raise funds for MKA’s financial aid program which will provide students in need with assistance for supplies, trips and extra-curricular activities.
“The Community Service initiative has been met with tremendous support from coaches and students alike,” comments Smith, “As an athlete I always felt I didn’t have the time to help others in need because I was ‘too busy’ playing sports. The fact is I just didn’t make the time and thought I was too busy with my sports schedule. I truly believe that the lessons learned through a team coming together to help others in need can be one of the most rewarding experiences our student athletes can have. The lessons learned from coming together to help others in need can last a lifetime.”
While Smith believes this is a unique and wonderful opportunity for athletes and coaches, he knows it will take time and effort to become a part of the culture at MKA. “It’s going to take time to have this really become a part of the athletic culture here at MKA and I admit I definitely sprung the idea onto our coaches late last spring. But as we move forward I truly believe we can create one of the most unique and special programs in the state.”
Smith concludes, “The personal rewards for our student-athletes and coaches in helping others goes far beyond what we gain from scoring a goal or making a save. The idea of spending time together as a team to help others can be so rewarding and I truly feel we CAN and WILL make a difference, one player at a time, one team at a time, one season at a time!”
