Even though it’s the off season, members of the White Hawks football team donned their jerseys this week for visits to Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools. February is I Love to Read Month, so the players took the opportunity to celebrate the importance of reading by visiting Pre-K through 4th Grade classrooms to read books to the young students.

"Since February is national I Love to Read Month, we as a football program want to positively influence our elementary students as much as we can to understand the importance of reading," said head football coach Nick David. "Reading is essential for those who seek to rise and SOAR like White Hawks do above the ordinary."

At Shirley Hills, the students were excited and waited anxiously for their guest readers. "They look up to the football players so much, so it was fun to have them in our classrooms," said Dean of Students Beth Hausladen. "It was great to see older role models showing a love for reading."

One of the big hits of the day was the reading of Pinkalicious, the story of an imaginative young girl who loves the color pink. "There were lots of giggles while that story was read," added Hausladen.

Hilltop students are encouraged to read throughout the year, but in February a special emphasis is put on reading through a variety of intentional programs and activities. According to John Wardlow, Hilltop Dean of Students, "Having the football players come in is just another way to get our kids excited about reading, and of course, excited about football!"

Wardlow praised the program, which was started many years ago by Coach David. "This is such a great way for our students to see the older students promote reading and also gives our students a few minutes to ask questions and get to know the football players," he said. "What a great program to build relationships centered around reading!"

"Like Dr. Seuss once wrote, The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go!" added Coach David.