The HAWKS READ and LEAD program has officially launched at Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, fostering a meaningful connection between Coxsackie-Athens High School athletes and Elementary School students through engaging reading sessions. This initiative is designed to highlight high school athletes as positive role models while encouraging a love of reading among younger students.
The primary objective of the HAWKS READ and LEAD program is to strengthen community ties and literacy engagement. By integrating mentorship with literacy development, the program aims to make reading a fun and inspirational experience for young learners.
Each reading session lasts 20 minutes, during which at least two student-athletes will read a story to a group of elementary school students. If time allows, a Q&A session follows, allowing students to ask these role models about their experiences in sports and school. The program is structured to take place once per athletic season, ensuring three sessions per year. The first session this school year took place earlier this month.
This initiative represents a valuable opportunity to build mentorship relationships, reinforcing the district’s commitment to literacy and leadership development. By bringing high school athletes into the classroom as role models, HAWKS READ and LEAD cultivates a culture of learning, teamwork, and inspiration for the next generation of students.
