Fever players awarded by Kennewick School District - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

By Tri-Cities Fever

Kennewick, WA - On Monday, August 27 two members of the Tri-Cities Fever received an award from the Kennewick School District (KSD).   All IFL First Team defensive back, Lionell Singleton and linebacker Brandon Wilson were presented with the Kennewick School District Outstanding Partner of the Year award.

This award is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the students and staff of the Kennewick School District through work, volunteerism, contributions, or other means while maintaining a good rapport with staff, students and parents.

Their award was given as a result of the program that they developed at Eastgate Elementary School called The Next Level of Academics and Athletics.

Lorraine Cooper, KSD Director of Communications and Public Relations, is quoted in her presentation as saying "The concept was simple: Have Eastgate's latchkey kids come to the school's gym right after school and provide them tutoring and mentoring. Students would have a safe place to go for help with homework as well as be active and gain skills in athletics. For a nominal charge of just one dollar per week, their after school mentorship program was offered on three afternoons each week. As the program gained in popularity, Lionell and Brandon recruited volunteers from their football team and the Cathedral of Joy church to help out as the program grew."

"The students love it and them. A case in point, one day Lionell and Brandon thought it would be fun to visit the school during recess. Little did they realize how attached the kids had become to them. Because walking out onto the playground, the kids literally did attach themselves to them.   They quickly found out what any playground para-ed could tell you. Moving with 50 or more kids surrounding you is WAY more difficult than cutting through a few 250 pound linebackers!"

"Brandon and Lionell's partnership with Eastgate now extends to its families as well. They have helped, along with members of the Cathedral of Joy, to initiate a home makeover program for Eastgate families and they've given away hundreds of TC Fever tickets to the kids and their families to attend the games."   

"Brandon and Lionell exemplify the very best in what community involvement and partnership with our schools can be. The work they are doing is having a visibly positive impact on the lives of so many of our students and families."

Singleton is looking at expanding the afterschool program to other schools and developing a center for children.  Wilson is in charge of the youth program at the Catherdral of Joy.