Lister Elementary

In conjunction with its fall seasons, PLU football led the Lister Elementary Big 5 Attitude Outreach Program for 39 consecutive years. Frosty began the outreach program in 1979 and impacted over 25,000 elementary and middle school children.

The program aimed to share five key principles involved in having a winning attitude for success. Each week highlighted a different principle, also referred to as the 5 C's, which include Choice, Comparison, Confidence, Challenge and Care. Many years the program concluded at PLU football's final home game where all participants were invited to attend and cheer on their favorite Lutes.

"Lister's partnership with the PLU Football team is exceptional." Lister Elementary Principal Kathryn Frazier said. "Our staff and students look forward to having the team in the building throughout the football season. The team's positive presence, messages and energy impacts our school climate in so many ways."

In addition to educating on the Big 5 principles, the program provides positive male role models for the children involved and supports Lister's academic goals while encouraging students to aspire to attending college in their future.

"Lister Elementary School is in the heart of the Salishan Community, a place where there is a high number of low-income and single family households," Lister Elementary Counselor Lauren Olson said. "Our students need positive role models in their lives and that is exactly what the players from PLU provided them. I have received so many compliments from our staff members on how mature, professional and fun the Lutes were in their classrooms. The Lutes not only brought joy to our students while they were here, but the kids remember them long after the program is over."

The football student-athletes volunteered 14 hours each over the program's seven-day course.

"Being a part of the Lister program teaches you that even the smallest actions can have big impacts," commented senior defensive back Greg Hibbard. "I'd like to think we give the kids some hope and inspiration, but they certainly give quite a bit back to us in the way they fill our tanks with so much joy and energy." https://golutes.com/news/2014/12/3/12_3_2014_638