Members of the Connetquot High School Athletes Helping Athletes Club recently stopped by Edith L. Slocum Elementary School to engage the fifth-graders in a variety of leadership and team-building activities.

During their visit, the high school students told the younger students of their personal accounts as they moved to the upper grade levels, which included more demanding schedules and the option to consider new clubs and athletic teams. Each of the visitors talked about how they learned to believe in themselves and continued to work to reach their goals. Additionally, they took time to explain the many advantages of participating in extracurricular programs such as music, band and cheering, as well as sports.

“Athletes Helping Athletes members visited the fifth-grade classrooms to share their experiences of overcoming obstacles, working hard and persevering through adversity,” said Philip Clark, Connetquot High School guidance counselor and AHA adviser. “This is the first of several visits that AHA will make to the fifth-grade classes at each of the Connetquot elementary schools to promote confidence, leadership and value-based messages.”

The Connetquot High School Athletes Helping Athletes Club has a large participation rate, with more than 60 service-minded student members who pledge to stay away from alcohol and drugs, and to share their experiences with elementary school students. Connetquot’s AHA Club partners with Molloy College, and its advocates/mentors consist of caring professionals, including major-league athletes.