Published Nov. 1, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe TRIO Programs Student Support Services staff and student
volunteers lead warm-up exercises at the 3rd Annual Free Kids Bike Race hosted by
Pelican State Credit Union. Jyssica Hattaway/TRIO Programs
TRIO-SSS teams with Pelican State Credit Union for Kids Bike Race
The University of Louisiana Monroe TRIO Programs Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS)
collaborated with Pelican State Credit Union (PSCU) in a fall community service project.
Pelican State Credit Union hosted the 3rd Annual Free Kids Bike Race for children
ages 12 and younger on Saturday, Oct. 16, at Tower Place in Monroe.
TRIO-SSS volunteers helped with pre-race stretches and warm-up exercises, assembled
and distributed goody bags with bike safety tips, and assisted PSCU staff in awarding
each participant a medal of achievement. Following each race, PSCU gave door prizes
for kids and parents donated from local Ouachita Parish businesses, and three children
received a free bike.
The TRIO-SSS program coordinates a community service project each semester for program
participants to ensure students understand the value of giving. These experiences
provide students with opportunities to develop civic accountability and life skills
that prepare them to be thoughtful and productive citizens.
“Students benefit both academically and emotionally from volunteering their time to
make the community and world a better place,” said Mystee Burrell, Ed.D. co-associate
Director of TRIO Programs.
TRIO-SSS students participating were Curtesia Davis, Lauren Edwards, Enrique Gonzalez,
Kyle Hutchinson, Stacia Jinks, Willexus Jones, Brook Little, Emily Mahfouz, Phiphung
Phan, Taylor Potter, Janett Solorio, Shamyia Sweet, Cazenski Watson, Lawren Williams,
Reaianna Winston, and Ta’Shia Zeigler. Staff participating were Burrell, Tammy Anderson,
and Jyssica Hattaway.
