FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern Athletics, in partnership with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), has continued its proud tradition of serving as stewards of the community by hosting a school supply drive for Davie Elementary School. At the 2022-23 Welcome Back event for NSU student-athletes, all 16 of the Sharks athletic teams donated school supplies to be donated to Mr. Turk’s third grade class. The SAAC representatives also spent time interacting and encouraging the elementary students.
Dr. Deanna Rivero, the Manager of Athletic Academic Services at Nova Southeastern, spearheaded the effort and leads the Nova Southeastern SAAC. “As the advisor of SAAC, it always makes me proud when our student-athletes, coaches and staff give back to the local community. The annual Davie Elementary School Supply Drive was a tremendous success due to the culture of developing relationships and building a sense of unity among the student-athletes, the NSU community, and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Rivero. “Being able to hand deliver the supplies and see the smiles of the kids receiving the donations makes it all worthwhile. I am so thankful to the people who prioritize giving back to the community.”
In total, Nova Southeastern SAAC collected over 600 different supplies for Davie Elementary School, including notebooks, crayons, pencils, markers, pens, glue, rulers, erasers and folders.
NSU Student-Athletes and SAAC representatives also shared their thoughts on the experience
Michael Steckmest – Men’s Soccer
“I’m happy that I had the opportunity to see who we’re providing the school supplies to. The interaction and overall excitement from the kids was inspiring. Experiences like these motivate and give purpose to the platform we have as student-athletes and representatives of Nova Southeastern.”
Alexis Smith – Softball
“I had an amazing time getting to meet the kids, especially at their younger ages. I loved encouraging them to get into sports while they’re young and find what their passion.”
Alex Mangold – Men’s Basketball
“Giving back to the kids in the community was great. The looks on their faces when we walked in with the supplies that we collected was priceless. I hope we can continue growing this tradition and partnership to continue for years to come.”
Ellen Ramstedt – Women’s Golf
“Dropping off the school supplies at Davie Elementary School was a fun experience, it was nice to meet the children and see how happy they were to interact with us and see the donations. They were all so sweet and it was a great opportunity to give back.”
Paul Boos – Men’s Soccer
“It was an amazing opportunity to go and meet the elementary school students, because I can remember being in their shoes dreaming of being a collegiate athlete one day. Now achieving my dreams, I find it a blessing to give back and inspire the next generation.”
