For the second year, Hamilton students have organized a youth soccer program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the Cornhill section of Utica. The Observer-Dispatch celebrated the program with a front-page article continued on the front page of the sports section.
Describing the committed engagement of approximately 45 Hamilton students, the article focused particularly on founder Kristina Carroll and sophomore Eve Stevens. Parents expressed their approval and gratitude for the effort expended by the volunteers in creating 12 teams for about 120 children aged 4 to 13. Likewise, the elementary school's principal described the program as "wonderful." The undertaking has also benefited from the financial contributions of Hamilton faculty, staff, students, Psi Upsilon, HAVOC and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) as well as the assistance offered by AYSO leaders Bruce Broat and Paul Mazloom. Former Continental basketball coach Phil Valenti, whose family operates Valenti Sports in East Rochester, was also helpful in procuring inexpensive equipment for the teams.
Carroll talked about the many bonds formed between the students and children and how the children often requested the phone numbers of the students and officials so that they could maintain contact. "You understand that you have a role and you find out you can influence decisions that they make," said Carroll.
