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Energetic children dashed around Huntington Gymnasium, eager to explore an inflatable obstacle course, join potato-sack races, and play basketball last Friday afternoon during the annual Sidekicks carnival. The musical stylings of the Swinging ’Gates and Pep Band welcomed local children, ������ students, and the public to the afternoon of fun.

For more than a decade, students have been mentoring Hamilton Central School children through the Sidekicks program, organized by the Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE).

Representatives from several campus groups — some who participate in the Sidekicks program and others who just wanted to help make the event special — set up tables around the gym. Each club offered a creative project, from mask making with the Italian Club, to face painting with the sisters of Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma, to creating cornhusk dolls with the Native American Student Association.

This year, more than 70 students have volunteered to mentor Hamilton children ranging from 6 to 13 years old. “Sidekicks is a great way to connect with the community and balance my college life,” said Kapua Aiu-Yasuhara ’15. “And when I hang out with my sidekick, I feel young again!”

Although students are only required to commit to the program for two semesters, they oftentimes forge lasting friendships with their sidekicks and mentor them for their entire four years on campus. This is true for Suzanne Collier ’12, whose relationship with 11-year-old Clara has blossomed over time.

“I have loved becoming close to her and her family,” Collier said. “I have really enjoyed spending birthdays and Hanukkah with them.”

Clara piped up, “I think she always lets me win when we play dreidel.”

Even when Collier spent a semester abroad, she corresponded with Clara through postcards and letters. Now, in anticipation of Collier’s upcoming graduation, the friends have promised to write to each other and maintain their close bond.