Elon to host Education Day, Jan. 26

Before the Phoenix women's basketball team hosts Longwood at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 26, local schoolchildren will take part in "Education Day With the Phoenix" in Jordan Gym. Details...

Elon University and the Alamance/Burlington School System have teamed up to hold the first “Education Day With the Phoenix” on Wed., Jan. 26. Elon will host approximately 500 fifth and sixth grade students for educational sessions beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Jordan Gym, before the Phoenix women’s basketball squad takes on Longwood University at noon in Alumni Gym.

Before the game, the students will participate in educational activities led by Elon athletes and coaches. The activities will include a geography exercise, where the students will learn where their favorite athletes are from, and a math exercise about the women’s basketball players and some of their statistics that will incorporate points, rebounds, assists and steals to create math problems. The third exercise on health and nutrition will be followed by a mini pep rally where the students will learn some great cheers to use during the game against the Lancers.

The participating students will come from Eastlawn Elementary (5th grade), Andrews Elementary (5th grade), Newlin Elementary (5th grade) and Broadview Middle (6th grade).

“We were able to participate in an Education Day at Western Carolina last year and it was a great experience,” Elon coach Brenda Paul said. “This provides a tremendous opportunity for our players to interact with these kids. We’re looking forward to a big crowd full of fun and energy when we play. We want to pack the gym and bring the excitement we experienced last year to Elon.”