The Chicago Bulls today hosted a Back-to-School Assembly for over 400 Herbert Elementary students as part of their “Read to Achieve” program. Eddy Curry, Fred Hoiberg, Bob Love and NBA Official James Capers joined Herbert principal Denise Gamble as they spoke to the students about the importance of reading and staying in school as tools for success in life. Benny the Bull was also on hand to entertain the children and join the first grade for a reading of “Benny Gets a Bully-Ache.”

The afternoon kicked off with all of the school’s students, from kindergarten through eighth grade, gathering in the gymnasium for an assembly. Each Bulls guest took his turn in addressing the students and delivering his message. The ceremony concluded with four Herbert students leading their classmates in the “Read to Achieve” pledge.

As the several hundred students filed out of the gym, Curry and Love handed out Bulls goody bags to each child. In the meantime, Hoiberg and Capers read “Benny Gets a Bully-Ache” to approximately thirty first grade students for the reading portion of the event. Benny was also on hand to participate and act out scenes from the book.

The Bulls “Read to Achieve” program, presented by Fifth Third Bank, promotes reading and online literacy by encouraging families and adults to read regularly with young children. Bob Love and James Capers are members of the Bulls 2001-02 All-Star Reading Team.

- Adam Fluck, Bulls.com