North Carolina State University Athletics
Creecy Receives Spark Award
4/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. - Throughout his Wolfpack career, running back Tony Creecy not only served as a respected leader of his team, but also sacrificed countless hours of his personal time to give back to the community.
Last week, his efforts were recognized, as Creecy became the inaugural recipient of the Spark Award, presented to him by the creators of the College Bound and WolfP.A.C.K. (physical activity coaching krew) programs. Not only is Creecy the award's first recipient but the inspiration behind the creation of the award itself.
The inscription on the award reads: "Spark Award, presented to Tony Creecy in recognition of his commitment to change a life, create a path, plant a seed, ignite a spark in every heart at Bugg Elementary."
In 2011 Dr. Kimberly Bush, associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism management, Michael Armstrong, former principal of Charles R. Bugg Magnet Elementary School and Jessica Hook, physical education specialist at Bugg Elementary, created College Bound. The purpose of this program was to positively impact more children at the school with the same results that the previously established WolfP.AC.K. after-school activity and mentoring program had already successfully accomplished.
"The goal of College Bound is to unite an undergraduate college mentor with every elementary student in our school, not just the few who were in aftercare," said Hook. "We felt it was important to have such interactions for all of our Bugg kids, because many do not have college graduates in their home lives."
Creecy was active early in the WolfP.A.C.K. program and has been a dominant force in every College Bound day since its introduction in March 2012. He also served as a chaperone/mentor during the program's field trip to NC State's campus and maintained his presence as one of the most inspirational "college buddies" within the program.
"Tony has always been especially outstanding with our students. He engages with his personality and inspires greatness just with his presence. He doesn't just show up for these events, he puts forth the effort to play and interact with our students," said Hook. "His commitment of time and energy has made him stand out among the college mentors. The Spark Award was created this year to honor Tony's outstanding service to our students."
Each day Bugg Elementary students recite the motto, "When I go to college, I will exponentially multiply my choices." Creecy is living proof that the saying is true, as he graduated from NC State in May 2014 and is currently training to compete in the NFL.
