Lady Bison Help With Walk to School Day

SHAWNEE – The Oklahoma Baptist women's basketball team participated in the National Walk to School Day campaign, helping children safely get to school at Horace Mann Elementary in Shawnee.
 
Players assisted first through fifth graders cross the street and get to school as part of Walk to School Month, sponsored by The National Center for Safe Routes to School.
 
"This was a great opportunity for our team to engage with the kids in our community. Our players have been student-mentors at Horace Mann for the last three years. This gives us an opportunity to enrich and be role models in the lives of these young boys and girls," said Lady Bison Head Coach Casi Bays.
 
Lady Bison players used the experience to bond with the students while also growing closer as a team during the offseason.
 
"Being able to walk the kids to school was not just a blessing to them but also to us. We loved having the opportunity to start the morning with the kids and just put a smile on their face. The kids were hugging us, giving us high fives, and enjoyed telling us more about themselves. We are so thankful we were able to be a small part of these kids' lives," said sophomore Raley Farquhar.
 
OBU student-athletes focused on creating a positive atmosphere for the children as they started their day, interacting with them as they made their way into the school.
 
"The kids were excited that we were there. We got to know a little bit about them, like their favorite super hero and favorite movies," said senior Katy Custer. "It's fun to get to go and be a part of something that may seem like a small thing for us but for those kids they think it is so cool. It's a good feeling to get to go and show those kids love, fun and encouragement before they start their day."
 
The National Center for Safe Routes to School is committed to empowering communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe, appealing, preferred choice for families. The National Center facilitates communities in becoming places for safe walking and bicycling for everyone starting with children and the trip to school.