Nov. 13, 2003

WACO, Texas - Casey Cleveland and Kandyce Farr, members of the Baylor soccer team, visited fourth grade classes at Brook Avenue Elementary Tuesday. The visit was part of Baylor Athletics' Bears 'n' Books program, which focuses on student-athletes reading to area children.

The two athletes read to students in recognition of National Reading Day and the Pizza Hut-sponsored program Book It!, which is designed to encourage students all over the country to read for Pizza Hut incentives.

Cleveland and Farr told the children how important it is to be an active reader, make good grades, stay in school and have goals.

Farr asked, "Who wants to go to college?" All of the students immediately raised their hands, showing Farr and Cleveland that they do have goals.

Brook Avenue teacher Linda Buckingham asked the Baylor students to speak to her class because they are learning how to incorporate active reading into their lives. The students enjoyed the visit from the Baylor soccer players and asked them many questions about college and soccer. Afterwards, the players gave their autographs to some of the students.

The school visit is just one example of how Baylor athletes are involved in many Waco community relations programs.