Speaking alongside Sting Head Coach Muggsy Bogues, the trio convinced an excited bunch of students in grades K-5 on the importance of good character and reading.

Their visit tipped off the school-wide promotion of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Program (PBIS) and the Accelerated Reader Program – initiatives that strengthen good citizenship and promote the fun and importance of reading.

"Reading is a big part of anyone’s life," Robinson said. "To be able to read and process information immediately, it’s something that definitely helps you in pursuing your career. It helped me out a great deal."

Robinson also described the good feelings he gets from spending time and sharing wisdom with younger kids.

“It’s always good to speak to the children,” he said. “It’s always good to see them at a young age, willing to listen and learn. And you know, when you see a whole bunch of kids like this, you can't help but get excited."

Anderson said he never gets nervous speaking in front of such vibrant children, as he fully understands the importance of seizing the moment and speaking the right message at the right time.

"Kids look up to us, and you never know how much of an impact you’ve got until you see how excited they get when you come in," he explained. "My major was in Family and Child Ecology, so I’ve spoken to kids before. It just feels good giving back."

The entire event began with a step-show, followed by a skit that the children put together explaining the importance of making good decisions and reading. In an added bit of extra fun for the kids, teachers and students dressed up as their favorite book characters.

"The more novel that you can make reading for students, it is going to encourage them not only to read, but to search and investigate so that they can find the mystery that is in every book," noted Reid Park Assistant Principal Denise Huff. "From the excitement of the children today, the reading enthusiasm is only going to increase."

The Accelerated Reading Program allows students to rack up points for the amount of books they have finished and tested above 90 percent on, rewarding them when they reach certain point-plateaus. In the last year, the number of Reid Park Elementary students reading on their proper grade level has risen 11 percent, and the proper message is getting out.

"We have an investment in our children," Huff said. "It’s wonderful to see the community taking that investment in our future very seriously."