NORFOLK, Neb. – Student-athletes at Northeast Community College are focused are more than athletics; they have worked this spring to ensure that some of their neighbors are warm and comfortable.
Members of the Hawks Athletics Advisory Council have created tie blankets that were delivered to members of the Norfolk Veterans Home, located directly across the street from the Northeast campus.
"Helping the community is very important because it puts you in different situations than you would normally be in on an average day. You get to learn new things while helping other people out,” said Lorna Maxon, president of the council. “Helping the community, at least for me, makes me happier and makes me feel like I did something that actually matters.”
The Hawks Athletics Council is made up of student-athletes who provide insight on the student-athlete experience. Jerrett Mills, athletics director, said it serves as a liaison between the student body, faculty, athletic department and student-athletes.
“The Council seeks to enhance the student-athlete experience by adhering to the mission of the College and promoting a positive image as a representative of Northeast,” Mills said. “The Council also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on campus. Members of the Council have the opportunity to offer input on issues affecting student-athletes at our institution, while also offering input on national issues.”
Members of the Advisory Council are: Brianna Aguilera, Pierce (Softball); Jyson Breitbarth, Hilo, HI (Men's Soccer); Elizabeth Christensen, Stanton, vice president (Volleyball); Molly Davis, Yutan - Women's Basketball); Erica Derby, Kennesburg, Colo. (Women's Soccer); Makayla Forsberg, Laurel (Volleyball); Ty Heimes, Battle Creek (Golf); Jared Lopez, Lincoln (Men's Basketball); Lorna Maxon, Laurel, president (Women’s Basketball); Chris Mazzini, Parker, Colo. (Baseball); Kinsey Skillstad, North Platte, secretary (Volleyball).
Bailey Lemburg, Clarkson, (Volleyball) also assisted in making the blankets.
“The Hawks Athletic Advisory Council making tie blankets for the Norfolk Veterans Home was just such a cool opportunity,” Maxon said. “It was fun to do, and those veterans are going to absolutely love the blankets."
To learn more about Northeast athletics, visit northeasthawks.com.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Representatives of Northeast Community College deliver blankets made by members of the college’s Hawks Athletics Advisory Council for members of the Norfolk Veterans Home. Picture are (from left) Chris Mazzini, Parker, Colo., Northeast student athlete and member of the advisory council, Stephanie Eckert, activity specialist/volunteer coordinator at the Norfolk Veterans Homes, and Jerrett Mills, athletic director at Northeast.