BILLINGS, Mont. – Students at Highland Elementary School received a unique welcome as they arrived for class on Monday morning, as a large group of student-athletes from Montana State University Billings awaited them along the sidewalks at the entrance to the school.
 
Students who arrived to school on foot or on bike were greeted by MSUB student-athletes, who handed out stickers, fresh fruit, and plenty of high-fives. The event kicked off physical activity week for Highland Elementary, an initiative that new MSUB strength and conditioning coach Nich Pertuit helped spearhead.
 
"Having the MSUB student-athletes out here helps a ton, because what we are trying to do is change the environment for these students," Pertuit said. "We are trying to make it a more physically-active culture, and it starts with the kids. These guys are really big role models for those kids so this means the world to them that they came out this morning."
 
Student-athletes from many of MSUB's teams were in attendance, lining the sidewalks and cheering as the elementary students began to arrive. "It's great that MSUB athletics is reaching out to the community and we are supporting the schools that are close to us," said junior MSUB volleyball captain Kyndal Williams, who was one of the several dozen Yellowjackets in attendance. "We are all out here together as a whole, and I think that's really cool. It's great that kids are walking to school and that we are here to support them."
 
The MSUB men's soccer team, dressed in full warmup gear, was lined up midway down the block, enthusiastically encouraging students as the first group of MSUB student-athletes to welcome them.
 
"It's very important that MSUB athletics are involved in the community," said MSUB men's soccer head coach Alex Balog as he looked on at the event. "What we are trying to do today is related to what we are trying to achieve within the department all across different sports. We are trying to stimulate physical activity within these kids, and it is very important that we try to instill a mindset that it's important to walk, to move, to bicycle. When these kids come to school and they see MSUB student-athletes who they look up to, that's what will contribute to changing that mindset."
 
Helping coordinate the event was Highland Elementary principal Jeri Heard, who was appreciative of the positive atmosphere and encouragement the MSUB student-athletes created for her school's students. "It is so cool, and they are really going to pump our kids up," Heard said. "They are encouraging them to walk and bike and live a healthy lifestyle. I am just impressed with these young college students."