DANBURY, Conn. - The WestConn men's and women's soccer teams took part in Random Acts of Kindness Week at Great Plain Elementary School. Members of both teams spent time with students between kindergarten and fifth grade and their families during lunch.

"I felt so happy to able to engage with kids, whether they were sitting alone or not," said WestConn women's soccer freshman Sara Balbaaki. Just being there, I was able to put a smile on their faces. I enjoyed talking with them, making them laugh, and helping them feel happy and included."

While each lunch period only lasted 30 minutes, many of the athletes ended up staying for longer than they were scheduled to spend time with the next wave of students. Conversations at lunch were about everything and anything, and the kids were excited to talk to the athletes about their interests. At the end of the lengthy conversations about the kids favorite sports, classes, hobbies, etc., everyone joined together in the middle of the cafeteria to join in a dance party. The kids were eager to show off their dance moves as the athletes hyped them up and joined in themselves. As the music came to a stop and teachers started corralling their students, the athletes said their goodbyes.  Many teachers and parents expressed their thanks for making this such a memorable moment for them and their children.

Wolves sophomore Manny Catarino shared this joy and stated, "Spending time at the elementary school reminded me of how important it is to give back to the community and how nice it is to see the joy on the children's faces!" 

(Top row of group picture from left to right: Delaney Israel, Addison Breier, Sara Baalbaki, Matthews Rocha, Enzo LaGrassa-Gillet, Manny Catarino, Deshaun Boyne, Ernesto Zamorano Gomez, Ryan Stillman, Alex Lopez, Makai Smith. Bottom row: Ernesto Barrosa, Silas Creaven)