On Thursday, Washington Wizards guard Juan Dixon hosted fifth grade students from Benjamin D. Foulois Elementary School for a Reading Time-Out. Dixon and the children took turns reading poems from Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends. Afterwards, Dixon spoke with the students about the importance of reading, staying in school and always pursuing their dreams.

Dixon, who was fortunate enough to be guided by professional athletes when he was younger, was eager to take part in the Read to Achieve initiative.

“I was lucky enough to be able to take part in a similar program,” Dixon said. “So I’m excited to be in the position to reciprocate and give back to the community. It’s important to emphasize reading and to always believe in your dream.”

As part of the reading time-out the Wizards' guard also autographed pictures for all the students and answered questions. The students also received an extra surprise, when Dixon presented them with tickets to an upcoming Wizards game.

“They were really looking forward to coming,” said Brendal Gibson, the students’ fifth-grade teacher. “It was great for them to be able to come here and be encouraged knowing that whatever you dream of you can accomplish if you put your best foot forward. I think they will definitely remember this day.”

The Wizards Reading Time-Outs, which are sponsored by Dasani, are a part of the NBA’s Read to Achieve program, created to get children excited about reading and to promote the value of literacy.