WINOOSKI, Vt. -- The Vermont Lumberjacks kicked off their season-long mentoring program for third graders at John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Sept. 14. This is the second year the Lumberjacks have supported the program at JFK Elementary School.

During the first meeting with the young students Lumberjacks head coach Doc DelCastillo spoke about setting goals and following dreams.  He emphasized that working hard and never giving up are important steps for kids trying to reach their goals.  

Students and teachers then heard the personal goals of the Lumberjacks players, which ranged from going to a good college to becoming a doctor or engineer.  

After the presentation the players split into small groups to work with the third graders.  The students wrote and discussed their own goals and dreams with the Lumberjacks.  "The children are so excited to have the Lumberjacks as their mentors this year," commented JFK teacher, Lisa Goetz.

The Lumberjacks will visit the third graders every Thursday morning and mentor them in math, and as a culminating activity, the children will have a chance to ice skate with the players at Leddy Park Ice Arena in February.