Read with a Red Raider

It’s the “fourth down,” or fourth year for the “Read with a Red Raider” and the event keeps “gaining yards” with each passing year! This year’s was held on September 9 at the football stadium. Hosted by members of the Red Raider Football Team and Cheer Squad, this special event is open to all students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The evening also included activities with the football players and cheerleaders, as well as light refreshments.

Event organizer, Middle School Reading teacher Candace Donaldson, said student-athletes enjoy this event as much as the “littles” and love volunteering their time. She said the event has been held for four years and continues to grow in popularity.

“I believe it’s popular because it provides a unique experience for the kids in a variety of ways. Being on the football field under the lights is a pretty cool experience at a young age. Also, as much as the kids enjoy reading, this opportunity provides them with sharing their favorite books with the football players and cheerleaders. It’s a great opportunity for the football team to give back in a way that sheds light on education with reading to the kids and also allows them to understand how they can serve as positive role models.”

Students were encouraged to bring a blanket and their favorite books to Read with a Red Raider. Books from the school library were also available. In addition, each participant was given a blank book to create their own individual stories!

Red Raider Varsity Football Coach Ryan Donaldson called “Read with a Red Raider” a time for reading, conversation and connection.

“The students are excited to spend time with the older athletes they look up to and admire. Our varsity football players and cheerleaders served as positive role models while reading stories with the younger students, talking with them, and simply enjoying time together. For many of our elementary students, having the opportunity to sit with and interact with the athletes they see on the field made the evening especially meaningful,” he explained. “This event is a great reminder that being a student-athlete is about more than competition. It is also about leadership, kindness and giving back to the younger members of our school community. Seeing the smiles, excitement and enthusiasm from the elementary students showed just how much these positive connections mean to them.”