Triton College Student-Athletes Promote Literacy, Education at Local Elementary School

 

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College student-athletes recently visited Rhodes Elementary School’s fifth-grade class to promote literacy and discuss the importance of education.

As part of Triton’s Student-Athlete Literacy Outreach Program, six Trojans representing the College’s men’s soccer, women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s basketball programs visited Rhodes in River Grove on Thursday, Oct. 22, to read to students, discuss life as a student-athlete and answer questions from curious fifth graders.

According to Triton College Athletic Director A.J. Blahut, the initiative grew out of a broader effort to strengthen Triton’s community engagement and inspire young learners. Blahut said the visits give student-athletes an opportunity to make a lasting impression on children by encouraging literacy and demonstrating the importance of education. He added that many of the fifth graders’ faces lit up when the Trojans entered the classroom.

“We have the ability to impact these students’ lives by visiting their schools and showing them how important it is to get an education, read and improve their literacy skills,” Blahut said. “Nobody can take away your education. It’s one of the things you’ll always have.”

Brandon Delgado, a men’s soccer midfielder and kinesiology student, was among the volunteers who participated in the initiative. He read a book in both English and Spanish to a group of students in a bilingual classroom. The book followed a “couch potato” who spends too much time indoors using electronic devices before realizing the value of going outside.

Delgado connected the book’s message to today’s screen habits, emphasizing the importance of spending time outdoors and connecting with others face-to-face rather than taking those opportunities for granted.

“I think reading is important because it helps you interpret things and understand them from different perspectives,” he said. “I feel like that’s something people lose if they don’t read.”

While not the biggest bookworm, Delgado said certain books have made a significant impact on his life. He cited The Inner Game of Tennis as a book that helped him develop mentally as a soccer player.

Delgado said he was initially nervous about reading to the students, particularly in Spanish, but was glad he had the opportunity to participate.

“I think it’s great that we could do this and serve as role models for the kids,” he said. “We should be that role model and help them however we can so they can pursue their dreams and passions while keeping up with their schoolwork.”

Karen Perez, a nursing student and a winger on the women’s soccer team, also volunteered. She said it was meaningful and enjoyable for her to connect with and answer questions from the inquisitive fifth graders, who asked her about playing soccer, her favorite professional team and whether she thought Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the better player.

“I think it’s important for the kids to see us because we’re not all that much older than they are,” she said. “We can show them that you can still have fun, follow your passions and be involved in sports while still making your education a priority.”

Blahut said the Athletic Department plans to continue the initiative throughout the academic year, with more student-athletes expected to visit Rhodes Elementary School in November to read to fourth graders.

“I think we have an obligation as an athletic department to do whatever we can to help the communities that Triton College serves,” he said.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu?subject=News Infomation | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu?subject=News Information | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.