National Championship Field Hockey Team Volunteers at Local Children's Hospital
4/7/2009 8:00:00 AM | The Barry & Mary Gossett Center for Acad
April 7, 2009
The field hockey team made their second visit back to the Children's National Medical Center located in Washington, D.C. on March 31. The young ladies were greeted by about a dozen terminally ill children who have - since the initial visit - become fans of the National Champions. The team left the hospital with feelings of gratification, realizations of how blessed they are, and twenty new friends.
The Terps first sponsored atrium event was held on October 15 where twenty-some children, ages 5-12, and their families joined in making door decorations, cards, and signs for their hospital rooms. In their most recent visit, the team showed their competitive side, as the two hours were filled by board games, UNO, charades, and great conversation. With music playing, the Terps and the young children dismissed the stresses of everyday life and discovered the joy of one another's company. Sophomore Melissa Vassalotti confirmed the significance of the event. "I really enjoyed spending time at the children's hospital with the team. It's such a good feeling being able to put a smile on a child's face and brightening up their day. This truly was a humbling experience and would love to do this again." The team plans to schedule another event with the children in the fall.
