Bulldogs Serve in Delta Community

by Josh Lively, Assistant Director/Communications

An 11-member team of Mississippi State student-athletes and athletic department staff traveled to Shaw, Mississippi, over the weekend to serve the community as part of the MSU Student-Athlete Development Office's Bulldogs in the Delta community service initiative.

"Some of the biggest things for us was the student-athletes' recognition of several key areas," said Ben Rodriguez, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development. "The first area was broadening their horizons by seeing parts of Mississippi that they weren't aware of. I think that was eye opening for them. I also think they were appreciative of the opportunity to just engage with others. They could tell that it really meant a lot to the people we were working with. It was also a chance for them to engage with student-athletes from other sports, which several of them mentioned was a highlight for them."

The team consisted of six student-athletes representing men's and women's track and field, women's golf and soccer along with five staff members. The Bulldogs going are Jaylah Bailey, Hailey Farrington-Bentil, Ela Grimwood, Olivia Hernandez, Ashley Melcherts and Malcum Tatum. The group worked in partnership with Delta Hands for Hope as well as the West Tallahatchie Habitat for Humanity during the two-day trip.

"I'm super grateful for opportunity to plan and execute the Bulldogs in the Delta trip," said Ashley Jocelyn, MSU Student-Athlete Development Post-Grad Fellow. "This trip impacted me in ways that words can't explain. I am thankful for both organizations. They were extremely sweet to us and very appreciative of us helping out for the weekend. It was great to see how impactful this trip was to not only the communities within the Delta but the student-athletes and staff that joined us too."

The first day was spent helping with Delta Hands for Hope in the local school district. The organization works with the youth in the local community with empowerment, education and leadership skills. The team began Friday by assisting in painting and working on the organization's facility. After that, the group spent time with kids from the area in the after-school program. State surprised the kids by bringing Christmas presents for them.

"Seeing how happy everyone was with our help, made me realize how important it is to do something for others who really need it, no matter how small it may seem," said Melcherts.

The Bulldogs worked with the West Tallahatchie Habitat for Humanity on the second day. The team helped by putting up drywall and installing insulation in a home that is going to a mom with two children.

"I had a really great time in the Delta," said Grimwood. "I think one of my favorite things about it was getting to see the impact that our help had. Seeing the kids at Hands for Hope get their presents showed me that a small action by a number of people could have a really positive effect. I also thought helping at Habitat for Humanity was incredible, and when we got to see a finished home and meet the people moving in, it opened my eyes to just how big an impact doing this can have."

While this marked the first trip like this since the announcement of the Student-Athlete Development Office, Rodriguez and Jocelyn have already started organizing other trips. A group will head to the country of Panama for a community service project during the summer.

"This was a last-minute plan for me actually, but I am so glad that I ended up coming on this trip," said Farrington-Bentil. "Not only has it sparked my interest in service, but I learned life lessons while also becoming closer to athletes and staff I wouldn't have known otherwise. I highly recommend other athletes getting involved because it feels great to see someone smile because of how you've helped them."

For the most up-to-date information, follow MSU Student-Athlete Development on Twitter by searching for "HailStateSADev."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Bulldogs Serve in Delta Community

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