NJCAA Community Impact Spotlight: 2025-26 Third Quarter

Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recognizes and celebrates the contributions numerous NJCAA member institutions are making in their local communities. The NJCAA 2025-26 Third Quarter Community Impact Spotlight is the Montcalm Community College (MI) athletic department. 

Montcalm's student-athletes are pen pals with a second-grade class in their local community as part of the Centurion Pen Pal Program. The second-graders and student-athletes write and receive letters from each other throughout the academic year. For March's reading month, the Centurions' student-athletes went to Central Montcalm Elementary and spent meaningful time reading stories, sharing laughs, and building connections. Their presence made the day especially memorable, as students eagerly welcomed their college role models into the classroom. 

"Having our student-athletes visit a local elementary school to read during March's reading month and be pen pals with these students aligns with our department's mission by embodying opportunity, growth, and community," Montcalm Community College Athletic Director, Hunter Redman, expressed. "Connecting with local students not only builds meaningful engagement but also strengthens our community as our student-athletes grow into leaders and role models. It's incredibly rewarding to see their involvement make such a positive impact on youth, helping to develop both confidence and literacy skills." 

Beyond reading together, student-athletes joined the class in games and activities inspired by Mrs. Sexton's monthly theme, 'Reading is a Game Changer.' The excitement was unmistakable as students recognized their pen pals and their faces lit up — an uplifting reminder of the lasting impact these connections can have. For young learners, encouragement from older role models helps build confidence and fosters a love of reading and writing.  

"One thing that's positive about this experience is it gives them [the elementary students] perspective of how their pen pal is balancing school, work, everyday life and also taking time out of their day to write a letter to them," said Mrs. Sexton, second-grade teacher at Central Montcalm Elementary. "Hopefully, through this experience, maybe down the road, they'll think about this and realize they [the elementary students] can do that, also." 

For the Montcalm student-athletes, the experience was just as rewarding, as they were met with genuine enthusiasm and joy in return. By creating opportunities for student-athletes to engage with the next generation, Montcalm supports early literacy while strengthening meaningful connections within the community. These shared experiences inspire, motivate, and bring joy to everyone involved, and the Montcalm athletic department is grateful to be part of each student's educational journey. 

"I enjoyed getting to know my pen pal through letters, but also meeting her in person was amazing," Montcalm women's basketball student-athlete, Baylor Syrjala, shared. "Seeing the excitement in the kids' eyes was something I'll never forget. I never realized how much of an impact we have on them or even how much they look up to us." 

Other Nominations 

The NJCAA would like to recognize other member institutions who submitted an individual, team, or athletic department for the Community Impact Spotlight this quarter. 

• Florida State College of Jacksonville's softball team volunteered with Field of Dreams Baseball organization to host events for youth with disabilities. Read More 

• Morton College (IL) and Delaware County Community College (PA) each hosted youth camps to show kids in their areas how they can grow and play at the next level. 

Submit for the Community Impact Spotlight 

To nominate an individual, team, or athletic department for the third quarter's spotlight, fill out this form. Valid member institution email address required for consideration.