On Wednesday afternoon, over 600 Longfellow Elementary students sat down in their school auditorium for a Read to Achieve rally with the Golden State Warriors and Ross Stores. What the students did not expect was Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, Assistant Coach Luke Walton and NBC Bay Area Traffic Anchor Mike Inouye to walk through the crowd to slap high fives, welcome them to the reading rally and talk to them about the importance of reading.
“Reading is a skill that I use every day to coach the Golden State Warriors, to have fun when I have free time, and to read to my kids,” said Kerr. “There is nothing you do every day that helps you learn, be a better student and stay mentally in tune more than reading.”
Following introductions, Inouye interviewed Kerr and Walton while the excited youngsters listened intently about the value of reading every day to expand their imaginations and maintain a healthy body.
“The two most valuable things you have are your health and your brain,” said Walton. “The best way to keep your mind healthy and strong is to read as often as you can.”
The two Warriors coaches and Inouye then read aloud from the children’s stories Rainbow Fish and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, while inviting students from Longfellow Elementary’s Star Students program to join them on stage and read from pages of the books. After reading each story, Warriors Hype Man Franco Finn asked the students in the crowd questions about the two books. The winning students received autographed Warriors items.
“Having students on stage to read with these superstars really encourages students to read to achieve every day,” said Longfellow Elementary School Principal Carrie Betti.
Kerr, Walton, Inouye and the students then read the Read to Achieve Pledge aloud, promising to read books every day and listening to their teachers to become the best students and learners possible. Before leaving, Franco surprised Longfellow Elementary by announcing that each student would receive a new book as well as a Read to Achieve t-shirt, tote bag and pencil pouch, courtesy of Ross Stores.
“This fantastic reading event hopefully motivates students to read more, learn more and find success in the classroom and in life,” said Ross Stores Head of Strategic Sourcing and Corporate Social Responsibility, Marjan Voit. “What we achieved today is creating a connection with the children about reading and allows us to help and support the community that we live in”
This week is the Warriors’ “Back to School in the Bay: 5 Schools in 5 Days” initiative to help raise awareness about the importance of education in the Bay Area. Longfellow Elementary school students were incredibly excited to return to their classrooms and to fulfill their pledge to read as many new and interesting books as possible.
“I’m thankful to the Warriors and Ross for coming to our school to talk about reading and learning a lot in school this year,” said third grader Ariel.