May 9, 2000

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -

On Friday, May 5, sophomore twins Alyssa and Lisa Mealey (Bensalem, Pa.) travelled to Cherokee Lane Elementary School in Adelphi, Md. to take part in its annual career day. The twins spoke with two fifth grade classes and one first grade class for about half an hour each about gymnastics, school and college life.

Some of the topics that the Mealeys discussed with the children were how they got into gymnastics, the differences between men's and women's gymnastics, and the importance of school and good time management skills. They encouraged the kids to do well in school now, so they could increase their chances of having good grades and getting into college. Nutrition was also a topic that was brought up, as the Mealey twins discouraged the kids from eating too much junk food and encouraged good habits like eating vegetables so they can stay healthy.

Friday's career day visit was one of numerous community service activities that the gymnastics team has been involved in. On April 15, senior Elize Burke (Bowdoinham, Maine) participated in the NCAA Youth Education through Sports (YES) clinic at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships in Boise, Idaho. The team has also helped out with bingo nights for children and given tours of Maryland's campus to middle school youths.