Supporting the City in Service to Others!

Several LSU athletic teams and LSU Tiger Life Director Courtney Randall participated in the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday.

Tigers divided their service between McKinley Senior High School and Empower 225. McKinley is the oldest historically black high school in Louisiana, while Empower 225 is a youth development organization that targets kids who are at risk for homelessness and dependence. The organization offers educational resources, career preparation tips, housing needs, life-skills training and mentorship to each child.

Randall, assigned to McKinley, appreciated the time spent with the director of the event and school principal, Dr. Esrom Pitre.

“It was really nice to hear about the history of the school from him, and to work alongside him,” Randall said.

Randall and the others working at McKinley were tasked with painting logos, reorganizing storage spaces, re-painting the band storage room and disposing of dated equipment.

As the director of LSU Athletics’ student-athlete development program, Randall appreciated his student-athletes giving back to the community.

“It was awesome to see them making time on their day off to do something for the community,” Randall said. “Their schedules are already intense, and a lot of them were just getting back to Baton Rouge. To see them being service-minded right when they got back was pretty cool.”

Another group of Tigers served the community on MLK Day by volunteering their time to Empower 225. Their goal at Empower 225 is to assist youth at risk for homelessness and dependency and guide them to reach their highest potential through educational support, life-skills training, career preparedness, housing, and mentorship. LSU Student-Athletes used their muscle and skill to clear space for an upcoming building remodeling project. Matt Evans, the Director of Partnerships and Corporate Relations for Empower said, “They were incredible! With their help, we were able to move supplies and equipment which ultimately freed up space designated for the Empower 225 Homeschool program.”

The MLK holiday commemorates one of the greatest leaders in American history. The day off from school and work provides citizens with the opportunity to reflect on what the day truly stands for, and to serve a purpose greater than themselves.

“MLK Day of Service was a great opportunity for all teams to volunteer before the semester began,” said Jill Bohnet, LSU Volleyball player and president of LSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). I loved getting to see everyone work together to do some good in the community. It was a fantastic experience, and I am so thankful my team was able to participate.”

Assistant Director of Tiger Life, Melissa Weinsz, and SAAC’s Community Engagement Executive Officer, Melia Lindner of beach volleyball, are working together to establish more community service opportunities for the Tigers.