Volleyball Volunteers for School

May 2, 2008

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Members of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University volleyball team and their coaching staff spent an evening assisting Burcham Elementary officials with the school’s annual fundraising carnival in Weatherford.

The volleyball team worked at several different booths ranging from the basketball toss, football toss, washer toss to a number of others. Hundreds of kids jammed the booths scattered on the playground and inside in classrooms to help raise thousands of dollars for the school’s various programs and activities.

 “Our children and families are blessed to live in such a kind and giving community, Burcham principal Marla Pankratz said. “I take the opportunity each time I’m given to share about the wonderful partnerships our schools have with the people, businesses, and organizations in our community. The SWOSU volleyball team was big hit with their encouragement and willingness to help the kids through the games. I hope they will return again next year.”

SWOSU coach Bo Pagliasotti said that it was an easy decision to make and his squad was more than eager to lend a hand.

 “I have two vested interests in the success of Burcham Elementary in that both of my kids go to school there, so it was great to be able to help out at this event,” Pagliasotti said. “I have seen first hand the great work these teachers and staff members do on a daily basis, so when the opportunity came to give back, our team jumped at it.  We had a great time and helped a great cause.

Members of the team that participated were Maddie Cummins, Kacia Sandburg, Ashley Claud, Ashley Pettit, Staci West, Kristen Kaufman, Tenaya Calhoun, and Stephanie Parker.