Dan Persa and Maria Tedeschi spoke away from the television networks Wednesday during National Student-Athlete Day, instead focusing their important message on a group of local elementary school kids.Dan Persa and Maria Tedeschi spoke away from the television networks Wednesday during National Student-Athlete Day, instead focusing their important message on a group of local elementary school kids.

Wildcats Spread Purple On National Student-Athlete Day

April 7, 2011

Skip Myslenski Story on Dan Persa and Maria Tedeschi

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EVANSTON, Ill. -- In connection with National Student-Athlete Day, Northwestern student-athletes visited four local schools yesterday, expanding on the community service they perform on a weekly basis. Wildcat student-athletes representing seven sports talked to nearly 1,000 elementary and junior high students, addressing the balance of athletics and academics at the college level, as well as the transition from eighth grade to high school, and the importance of extracurricular activities.

"At Northwestern, we strongly emphasize how important it is to give back to the community as a student-athlete," Maureen Palchak, assistant director of marketing/community relations, said. "School visits are something we do on a weekly basis throughout the year. The kids love the stories and advice our student-athletes have to share, and the student-athletes get an amazing perspective on their daily activities from the thoughtful and creative questions the kids ask. It is a valuable experience for both sides, and yesterday was no exception."

"When talking to younger kids about your college experience it opens my eyes to the special opportunity I have playing basketball and to be getting an world-class education here at Northwestern," sophomore women's basketball player Kendall Hackney said. "It's a blessing to show them how sports can open doors to other opportunities that may not have been there before."

Additionally, Northwestern Athletics recognized 19 of its student-athletes, one from each of the intercollegiate sports. Each honoree was nominated by their respective head coach based upon the individual's contribution to their team. The criteria to select this year's Wildcat honorees included their work ethic, commitment, leadership, community service involvement and their position to serve as a role model for fans of their respective sport. The selected student-athletes attended a dinner Wednesday night at Northwestern University President Morton Schaipro's house.

National Student-Athlete Day Background
National Student-Athlete Day, a program of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS), has been celebrated annually on April 6 since 1987. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of high school and college student-athletes who have excelled in academics and athletics while having made significant contributions to their schools and communities.

2011 National Student-Athlete Day Honorees
Matt Gailey--Baseball
Jeff Ryan--Men's Basketball
Brittany Orban--Women's Basketball
Rachel Kaminski--Cross Country
Chloe Grainger--Fencing
Katie Lynch--Field Hockey
Corbin Bryant--Football
Josh Dupont--Men's Golf
Rebecca Lederhausen--Women's Golf
Darby Sinclair-Barrie--Lacrosse
Peter O'Neill--Men's Soccer
Briana Westlund--Women's Soccer
Kelly Quinn--Softball
Peter Park--Men's Swimming
Alex Kraus--Women's Swimming
Chris Jackman--Men's Tennis
Elena Chernyakova--Women's Tennis
Madalyn Shalter--Volleyball
Bobby Joyce--Wrestling

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