A successful and respected athlete not only performs on the field but off the field as well. They set positive examples through actions rather than words and are good role-models for other individuals. The University of the Cumberlands Men's Golf program is pleased to have one of these athletes in freshman Daniel Powell (London, KY).

Powell attended North Laurel High School, where he graduated in 2007. During his time there, Powell was extremely active in school organizations, as well as participated in various community service events to better his community. As a member of North Laurel High's Beta Club, Powell and his fellow club members adopted an area highway in order to give back to the local community. "Our group was assigned a certain stretch of highway, where we helped clean up the trash that lined the road," comments Powell. "Being involved in activities such as these not only benefits a small group of people but allows us to give back to the greater good."

Powell was also an active member of North Laurel High's National Honor Society. Each year during the Thanksgiving holiday, the group prepared and handed out food baskets for less fortunate families in the surrounding areas. "This activity meant a lot to me, because the families that received these baskets would more than likely not have had a Thanksgiving dinner," adds Powell.

Powell and his peers also participated in community service work during the Christmas season. "A group of my friends and I were each assigned a child for Christmas," states Powell. "We bought presents for our designated child and took him out to dinner and a movie. Seeing the smile on his face made the whole experience worth while."

The National Honors Society also participated in a Valentine's Day activity each year that Powell was a member. "On Valentine's Day, my class would go to the local elementary school and read children's books to the kids," explains Powell. "They would get to keep the books that we brought and each of them got a small treat bag as a gift."

Powell plans to continue his community involvement during his time here at Cumberlands and is very excited about the opportunities that are offered here. He is a great example of the type of athletes that the University of the Cumberlands looks for and will greatly impact this school over the next few years.

Article Provided by Kim Hamby, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Student Assistant