The Pacific Athletic Department took part in the 24th Annual Rotary Read-In on Thursday, Feb. 26 as the Tigers headed out to Stockton area schools as one of hundreds of volunteer organizations participating in the event in 2015. Sponsored by the five Stockton-area Rotary Clubs and supported by Barnes & Noble, the Tigers sent student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to Pulliam, George Komure, San Joaquin, and Marshall elementary schools. Volunteers for the event read to Kindergarten through 3rd Grade classes at Stockton Unified and Lincoln Unified elementary schools this year.
Junior golfer Matt Lee said," I'm very fortunate to be doing what I'm doing so it's great to be able to give back a little bit. A lot of people would love to be playing college golf. It reminds me of just how lucky I am. It was awesome to spend some time with the kids knowing that I was once in their place. It was a pretty humbling experience and brings back some great memories."
Rotary International was founded in Chicago in 1905 by Paul Harris and its main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self. Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.
North Stockton Rotary Club President and Associate Director of Athletics Jim Dugoni stated, "Pacific Athletics had twenty-five (25) volunteers this year with 25 student-athlete readers from a variety of sports along with another five readers from the Pacific Athletic Department including administrators, support staff, head coaches and assistant coaches. Thank you to everyone for their enthusiastic participation this year. Over the years, Rotary has received a great deal of positive feedback from the students, teachers and elementary schools who have been touched by the Rotary Read-In."
"I had a fantastic experience today taking time out of the day to read to students at Pulliam Elementary," said Danielle Neault, Pacific Athletics' Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Services. "Rotary Read-In is a fantastic way for community members to get out to local schools and promote reading. I am so proud of our student-athletes who helped out with the Read-In. They are tremendous role models and mentors to the young students."