TOWSON, Md. – Several Towson University student-athletes sported million-dollar smiles, shared laughs, delivered encouraging words and exchanged high-fives as they enthusiastically interacted with kindergarten students from KIPP Harmony Academy Tuesday morning in SECU Arena. (CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY)
 
The student-athletes had a blast with the 156 kindergarteners, playing classic games like "Red Light, Green Light", shooting hoops, playing football and doing calisthenics, including pushups with members of the football team. Redshirt senior Dreon Johnson, a fullback on the football team, carried a few students on his massive back from one end of the arena to the other.
 
"Coming out here and being able to give back is really nice because you affect their lives in a positive way," Johnson said. "These kids have a bright future. Being able to be part of something positive is a blessing. I am grateful that I had an opportunity to share some time with them. A day like this takes me back to my childhood."
 
Track and field head coach Mike Jackson welcomed the kindergarteners to Towson after each student-athlete introduced themselves.
 
"The kids enjoyed the day and I had fun interacting with them," Towson sophomore track and field athlete Ashley Bason said. "One of the best moments was when we were on the football field. We threw the ball and they were trying to tackle each other. It was fun to watch. I didn't play football but I helped out with the running activities."
 
Some of the kindergartners were fascinated with large basketball and football inflatables. In addition, each kindergartner received a tour of Towson's athletic facilities. While the experience was fun for the kids, Towson's student-athletes were excited to create some memories of their own.
 
"This was a really great experience for me today," Towson redshirt junior volleyball player Candace Stedman said. "To be able to spend time with the kids and show them what we have here at Towson was fun. We also got a chance to show them how they can be like us in the future. Being able to interact with them and ask them different questions to learn a little about each kid was nice."
 
One of the organizers of the event was Towson alum Danielle White, who is a teacher at KIPP Harmony. White, who graduated from Towson in 2009, was happy to return to her alma mater. Her class won the school's college pride championship and celebrated by dressing up in Towson's colors.
 
"It's really special to me to be here," White said. "These kids don't live far from here. This is in their neighborhood. They see the Towson buses ride past their houses. This gives them an opportunity as kindergarteners to understand the concept of college. To be able to bring them here and have them spend time on a college campus while interacting with student-athletes is an experience that many of these kids won't forget."