PLCS elementary schools celebrated Read Across America Week with special guests earlier this month. Papillion La Vista South High School football players visited all PLSHS feeder elementary schools to share their love of reading with younger students, participating in a district-wide initiative to promote literacy and foster connections between schools.

During their visits, the Titan athletes read books aloud, answered students' questions, and participated in games with the elementary students. The high school athletes selected age-appropriate books that reflected themes of perseverance, teamwork, and character development—values that resonate both in academics and athletics.

Elementary students were particularly engaged during the interactive reading sessions, many raising hands eagerly to ask questions about the stories, the athletes' own reading habits, and their experiences as student-athletes. The football players shared how reading comprehension helps them understand playbooks and how literacy skills contribute to their success both on and off the field.

In addition to the reading activities, some of the Titan players shared their own educational journeys, emphasizing how developing strong reading skills early had helped them succeed in high school academics. This real-world perspective on the importance of literacy made a strong impression on many of the younger students.

Teachers observed that having respected high school athletes promote reading helped reinforce the message that literacy is valued throughout the educational experience and beyond. The presence of these positive role models demonstrated that reading is for everyone, helping to motivate reluctant readers in particular.

The football players' participation in Read Across America Week highlighted the district's commitment to encouraging reading and fostering relationships between schools at different grade levels, creating a sense of community and shared purpose across the entire district.