Big, Little Pals host end-of-the-year picnic

Saint Mary’s University student Sara Haecherl plays kickball with one of the “Little Pals” she and other SMU students work with throughout the year.

The Big and Little Pals organization at Saint Mary’s University enjoyed an end-of-the-year picnic April 26. About 50 Saint Mary’s students meet once a week with at-risk second- through fifth-graders from the Winona community. To celebrate the end of the year, their “little pals” joined them on campus for a barbecue, inflatable toys and games. The program is a collaboration with Winona Area Public Schools. Throughout the year, SMU students develop a positive relationship with their pals by nurturing their academic, social and emotional stability.