River Hawks Host Pen Pal Picnic

LOWELL, Mass. – After exchanging letters with second and third graders at McAuliffe Elementary School all year, UMass Lowell student-athletes finally had the chance to meet their pen pals in person during a special Pen Pal Picnic at Costello Athletic Center on Friday, April 29.

The student-athletes and their pen pals spent the afternoon playing games, doing arts and crafts, and learning more about one another.

"This opportunity has meant the world to my students," explained Tara Bedard, a second-grade teacher at McAuliffe in Lowell. "These are kids that come from such a diverse city and face different challenges in their lives. This has been a bright spot in a very difficult two years. They've been talking about it for months because they were so excited."

The program has given UMass Lowell and its student-athletes a means of interacting with the community despite the COVID-19 pandemic and has truly made a difference in the lives of the children they have been corresponding with.

Each student-athlete had a different pen pal that they were able to learn more about over the course of the year through their letters. Women's soccer senior Lily Fabion (Monson, Mass.) was paired with a second grader named Karon. The duo would send letters describing things they liked to do along with decorative stickers.

"During the pandemic community service turned more virtual," said Fabion. "Having the chance to see the kids, have a picnic and have a whole playdate in person, it was the greatest thing. I'm very thankful for it all."

UMass Lowell Athletic Academic Coordinator Sima Suon helped to organize this opportunity for the River Hawks. A native to Lowell, she envisioned collaborating with local elementary schools to allow kids to interact with older students.

"To be able to bring together our community through our elementary school children and have them build a relationship with our student-athletes means a whole lot to me," Suon said. "Growing up in Lowell, I always remember the opportunities that I got to see high school or college students and remembering them as celebrities or idols. Hopefully these children can have that same feeling, to dream big and have college as one of their goals in life."

Besides building a sense of community during what has been an isolating time for everyone, the pen pal program has had academic advantages for the children of McAuliffe Elementary, as well.

"I wasn't expecting an academic bonus, but their writing has been better because of the letters," commented teacher Anna Cayer. "It's so motivating for them to be able to share things about themselves and ask questions using proper writing mechanics. It's gone onto help them with other writing activities. If they struggle with an assignment, I tell them, 'write it as though you're writing to your pen pal.'"

Both teachers expressed their gratitude to the student-athletes for being role models for their young students and giving them aspirations of growing up to do big things.

"As a UMass Lowell graduate myself, I want to give all the opportunities I can to my students and this had been something I'd never thought of previously," added Bedard. "Honestly, it has been one of the best things I've ever done for my classes. I hope to continue with it."

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