Under the bright stadium lights of Yates Stadium, the usual sounds of competition were replaced with laughter, storytelling and the turning of pages. On March 2, students gathered for Celebrate Read Across America Day, transforming the field into a space where high schoolers became role models, reading, connecting, and creating memories with younger children.
For many student leaders, the night was about more than just volunteering, it was about making a difference.
“I wanted to help with the event, not only for NHS hours, but because I like helping kids,” junior Cayden Britton said. “It made me feel like I inspired the kids I read to because it inspires kids to be like the people they look up to.”
That sense of inspiration extended beyond reading, as creativity filled every corner of the event.
“I helped the National Art Honor Society with their face-painting booth,” senior Riley Jones said. “Kids can have fun as their favorite superhero. Connecting with younger children was a positive experience, and a look into the joy and creativity young minds hold.”
While paint and imagination brought stories to life visually, others saw the deeper, lasting impact the event could leave behind.
“I thought it was a really unique event because reading is fundamental, no matter the age,” junior Addison Arnaud said. “I thought about how the kids would probably look back on these moments sentimentally, it’s important to offer younger kids opportunities like these and paint education in a fun, positive way.”
Moments like these reminded volunteers why connection matters just as much as the stories being read.
“It felt good connecting with the younger kids,” junior Sofia Dominguez said. “Just hearing them laugh and just seeing that children are still children.”
Even the smallest interactions left lasting impressions, showing how meaningful simple moments can be.
“My favorite moment from the night was getting to engage with my friend Summer and see what she liked,” freshman Caroline Williams said.
And throughout the night, one message remained clear, reading isn’t just a skill, it’s a gateway to creativity and growth.
“I think younger students should know the importance of things like reading,” junior Jocelynn Leon said. “I loved all the little kids enthusiastically talking about their chosen books, encouraging kids to pursue a hobby in it helps them grow in the creative aspect.”
