Members of the Cal State San Marcos Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) spent last Friday morning at Monterey Ridge Elementary School, sharing their experiences as college athletes with the kids.

This is the second year in a row CSUSM student-athletes have dedicated their Friday mornings to participating in MRES's reading program. CSUSM student-athletes travel to MRES and visit their classrooms to read character building books to the kids as well as talk to them about the importance of education.

"Today marked the kickoff of this year's partnership between CSUSM's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Monterey Ridge Elementary School's reading program,” noted Erin Kelly Bartelma, CSUSM's Coordinator of Student Services and Sports Psychology Counselor.  “Our student-athletes are passionate about the work they do both on and off the playing field and this partnership is just one example of their dedication to the community."

SAAC's co-president Mark Shimmin was one of the athletes in attendance.

"The event went well at Monterey Ridge and the reaction from both students and teachers there was great.  It feels good to be able to give back to the community,” said Shimmin.