This March, during Read Across America Week, Hempfield Area High School students swapped their homework for storybooks, bringing the whimsical world of Seuss to life for local elementary students. It wasn’t just another reading event—it was a celebration of imagination, laughter, and the magic that books can hold.
Hempfield Area’s own Alpha Omega, National English Honor Society, and National Honors Society members visited West Point Elementary and Fort Allen Elementary to share their joy of reading with the young students. Upon arrival at West Point, the high schoolers attended an assembly celebrating the accomplishments achieved by the children and cheered with them in support. Several special “West Point Way” characters joined in on the fun as well!
Dividing themselves into classrooms, the high school students had the opportunity to form small groups and explain their passion for reading with the elementary students, as well as read aloud.
Fort Allen provided a similar experience for all involved, only this time, the students created Cat in the Hat inspired masks with help from the high schoolers.
Encouraging kids to read is important because it boosts their cognitive skills, vocabulary, and comprehension. It sparks creativity, improves focus, and helps with emotional and social development. Reading also sets a foundation for academic success and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Junior Maddie Black attended the event and said, “I loved getting to see the smiles on their faces while we read together. It reminded me of when I was young and first developed my love of books,” which was the overall opinion of many other high school students involved as well.
Hopefully this love for reading will inspire students to go to… oh, so many places!
