KENOSHA, Wis. – Last week, a group of Parkside Athletics student-athletes and staff made the short trip to Southport Elementary in Kenosha for a Learning Burst with kids from kindergarten up to fifth grade.
 
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Making the trip from the Rangers were Ramar Evans of men's basketball, Courtney Schoenbeck of women's basketball and Maddie Laszewski and Makenzie Kaput of women's soccer. Also along were Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin, Associate AD Sean Daniels and Marketing & Ticketing Coordinator Robyn Elliott. The biggest excitement for the kids however was Ranger Bear, who played basketball and soccer against the student-athletes and with Principal Mrs. Santelli. 

"Visiting Southport was one of the best days I've had during my time at Parkside," Evans said. "It was fun to be around the kids and answer all of their questions. Being respectful and working hard are easier said than done, so being able to show them that if you do those you can go anywhere in life. I absolutely want to go back because it was such a blast for me!"

"It's awesome to be a part of a program like Parkside Athletics that has such a big impact on our community," Makenzie Kaput of women's soccer said. "Going to Southport and getting to see firsthand the difference we can make in kid's lives was an incredible experience."

During the learning burst, Parkside's team talked about the value of education, hard work, responsibility, staying active, and respect. They also talked about how they became a member of the Rangers' family. Kids also took part in a Q&A with the Rangers.
 
"Exposure is a powerful tool for learning," Southport School Counselor Heidi Bassler said. "We strive to provide experiences outside of the classroom that will prepare our students for their future.  This partnership with Parkside Athletics was meaningful because it ties together the love for sport and learning.  Our kids are still talking about how much fun they had hearing from the athletes and meeting Ranger Bear!  As a counselor, there is nothing better than watching eyes light up with excitement and seeing positive "forever memories" being made!"
 
Bassler graduated from Parkside in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
 
All students at Southport were invited to join the Ranger Cub Club, an exclusive kids club with Athletics that features behind the scenes access for kids to the Parkside student-athletes. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Ranger Cub Club, click the link for more information.