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San Francisco, CA -- Two weeks ago, numerous Academy of Art student-athletes took a break from their afternoon practices and classes to participate in the third annual Scaregrove, a Halloween festival for kids and families at Stern Grove in downtown San Francisco. Players from the track and field team and the women's soccer team participated in recycling efforts, hosted a meet and greet, and assisted with the festival's rides and activities.
The event, put on by a partnership between the Recreation and Park Department and the SF Parks Alliance, with support from the Stern Grove Festival, boasted a haunted house, hay rides, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and carnival rides, as well as the opportunity for the Urban Knights to introduce themselves to their own city and to meet some of their future students and fan base.
"It was really great to be able to partner with San Francisco Recreation and Park and continue to build a positive relationship with them in our community," said women's soccer head coach Aileen Nasypany. "The event allowed my team to volunteer in many capacities, and it was fun to get in the holiday spirit with the San Francisco community."
The event was another example of the ongoing efforts by Academy of Art student-athletes to give back to their San Francisco community, something that has far-reaching effects on both parties. For the soccer and track teams, it provided an opportunity for them to work together as student-athletes, breaking down the division of teams into one cohesive band of Urban Knights participating in a focused act of service.
“Lots of children were excited to see their classmates outside of school so that was important for bringing the community together in a fun and safe environment," track assistant coach Lauren Smith said. "The event really allowed the women's soccer and track teams to work together. And some of the stations also helped make people be more aware of ways to improve the environment through recycling so that was positive.”
It also put the Knights more in touch with the community, something that is vital in a city and school that attracts so many out of towners. For many of the athletes, San Francisco is their adopted home, and getting them out in the community, connecting with their surrogate neighbors, can do wonders for both sides, making the students more comfortable in their new digs while also showing San Francisco that it is not simply a stop on their way to go elsewhere.
“This event helped give our athletes a different perspective out in the community," track assistant coach Lamont Johnson said. "I think it shows an overall commitment by Academy of Art University, President Elisa Stephens, and the Athletics administration to having students be model citizens. Personally, I enjoyed the little kids having a great time, asking questions, and getting caught up in their excitement. It was fun!”
All of the players had positive things to say after the event, and we caught up with some of them, who had the following quotes to share regarding the Scaregrove Carnival:
Senior forward Emi Sullivan:
"It was great to be around all the youngsters all dressed and full of Halloween sprit. I love working with kids who's artistic minds have no idea of boundaries and rules. There were so many great costumes and lots of energy. It was also nice to get a change to talk to parents that live in San Francisco, and tell them about our program. They were all very interested and curious to know about the Academy's athletic department. Over all it was a great time and a nice reminder that Halloween and fall is a great time to spend with family and friends."
Freshman defender Haily MacDonald:
“Community service was great! The team was assigned different roles and jobs at the festival. Some of us were working in lines, painting faces and running the rides. It was fun working with kids during the Halloween holiday, I was able to interact with them as Emi and I worked the hay stack ride line. They told us about their Halloween costume and even acted out some of their characters. Not only did we hang out with the kids, the parents were very interested in knowing about the academy and the athletics programs. Overall I believe our service was a success and we helped make and event possible on Halloween for the kids.”
Sophomore forward Hannah Emmett:
"I had lots of fun participating in this event. It was nice to see how much fun the kids were having. Everybody was dressed in their costumes and enjoying the festivities and it made me feel good for helping out."
Sophomore forward Brittany Schramm:
"This event was a rewarding experience because hundreds of kids there and every kid looks forward to Halloween. I got hands-on experience helping kids individually on the rock climbing wall. Not only was I teaching kids, but it was fulfilling that I was a part of making their Halloween weekend the best experience."
