Michael Sims, all-conference quarterback and Bonner Scholar
ATLANTA, Ga. - Morehouse College claimed the 2019 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Citizenship Award. The award was presented to Director of Athletics, Andre Pattillo, at the 2019 Athletic Director's Meeting for their community outreach efforts.
The SIAC, whose goal is to empower surrounding communities, launched the SIAC Citizenship Award to annually recognize athletic departments that best exemplify the spirit of community and demonstrates values of volunteer community service and engagement.
The Maroon Tigers were recognized for their capacity building partnerships with local schools and youth organizations such as George A. Towns Elementary, Deerwood Academy Elementary, Finch Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, and Toomer Elementary. In conjunction with these schools, Morehouse's student-athletes hosted interactive events (Munch and Lunches and reading projects) that introduced the campus to the surrounding community.
The Morehouse Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) partnered with the Bonner Office of Community Service to earn this year's SIAC Citizenship Award.
Montavius Coleman (Adams Scholar and track & field champion), Michael Sims (all-conference quarterback and Bonner Scholar) and Eric Daily (Bonner Scholar) served as project managers, meeting with Kevin D. Chapman, Jr., SAAC co-advisor/assistant director of the Bonner Office of Community Service, on weekly basis, each facilitating meetings where they discussed strategy regarding student initiatives, community service, community engagement and fundraising events. Each week the men of Morehouse identified community partners, planned, marketed and implemented events and audited conference reports of their service efforts.
In addition to their local efforts, the Maroon Tigers expanded their reach on a national level when athletic academic advisor & skills enhancement specialist/SAAC co-advisor ,Youdlyne Renard, nominated three SAAC members, Edward Nelson, James Coles (Bonner Scholar) and Micaiah Paige who were selected to attend the National SAAC DII Convention. Micaiah Paige was selected as the Division II National SAAC At-Large Representative, representing the SIAC and Morehouse College during the effect that focused on student advocacy and capacity buiding. He assisted with the planning of convention, welcomed athletic departments and facilitated a breakout workshop session on planning conference-wide SAAC initiatives.
In addition to the aforementioned honors, SAAC earned the Bonner Office of Community Service's 2018-2019 Student Organization of the Year award, which is awarded to the student organization that has earned the most service hours while making a significant impact throughout the local community. The group's efforts benefitted KIPP WAYS charter school, Atlanta, Dekalb and Clayton County students, YMCA youth participants, League of Stars, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bennett College (Stand With Bennett campaign) and the National Football League Super Bowl LIII events held in Atlanta.