Friday, November 1, 2024
Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor, unless otherwise noted
Four members of the Wildcat men's basketball team gather to read “Meet Mason” to two classes at the Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Penn College. They are joined by the book's author and Mason's mother, Megan E. Rogers (seated far left) and team coach Geoff B. Hensley (seated far right).
An inspiring team effort took place recently with readings of “Meet Mason” by the Penn College men’s basketball team. In honor of Blindness Awareness Month in October, the team, their coach and the book’s author engaged children in various local settings, including the Dunham Children’s Learning Center at Penn College, the Otto Bookstore in downtown Williamsport and Cochran Primary School.
The “center” of this team dynamic is Mason Chapman, whose story is shared in “Meet Mason” by his mother Megan E. Rogers, information desk assistant at Penn College. Fast forward to Mason joining the Wildcats' team in October 2023 as part of a Team Impact outreach facilitated by men’s basketball coach Geoff B. Hensley. And the connections continue.
“It was super special to have the final reading (for Blindness Awareness Month) at Otto’s with the whole team and Mason present,” Rogers enthused. “I think this is truly a great team! I am very thankful for these young men. I know the life of a college athlete is very busy, but for them to take time to help spread awareness is just amazing.”
Congratulations to the team for making lasting impressions and great memories for their teammate Mason and every child who attended their readings.
Rogers describes the book and why she wrote about her son. One of Mason’s best buddies, Michael R. “Big Mike” Woolridge (right), a senior forward from Hollidaysburg, took part in the event. Woolridge is in business administration.
Coach Hensley tells children that when he travels the country looking for the next members of the Wildcat basketball team, he looks for players with a positive attitude who are willing to help the team – and Mason fits that description. On left, ready to read, is Charlie Belcher III, a freshman guard and advertising art student from Philadelphia.
John M. Regis, a sophomore forward, shares the story. From Upper Darby, he is studying welding technology.
The audience listens closely as junior guard Owen M. Newcomer takes his turn. Newcomer, of Newell, is majoring in business administration.
Children feel the Braille type in one of Mason’s books.
On their way to a reading, three seniors hold the book (from left): Christian Chandler, Gavin Barrett and Livingston Cross. (This photo and the following images are shared by the author.)
In a second-grade classroom at Cochran Primary School, the trio and the author (standing on left) present "Meet Mason" to an engaged audience.
The whole team turns out at the Otto Bookstore in downtown Williamsport for the store's Sunday "Children's Story Time."
Again taking turns and turning pages, Cross relays the inspiring story for Blindness Awareness Month.
Mason joins the photo op! He is seated on the left next to his mother.
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