By Sophie Kalagher – Staff Reporter

A group of Jonathan Law student-athletes took a trip to Mathewson Elementary on March 1 where they helped with the school’s Read Across America Day celebration. 

Thirty-five Law athletes, along with a group of students from Foran High School, spent their morning reading to young learners in different grades. They got to travel around the school to different classrooms and build connections with young readers. 

“The Law student athletes who went did an amazing job interacting with the students, engaging in reciprocal conversations, and motivating the young learners to do their best in school,” Special Education teacher Mrs. Drew said.

The event was organized with Mrs. Jaggers, a first grade teacher at Mathewson. The goal was to give the young students role models and people to look up to. 

“I remember when I was in elementary I was so excited for the ‘big kids to come and read to me,” said freshman Nikhil Misra, a former Mathewson student. “It felt nice to be able to give them the same feeling.” 

Many of the Law students in attendance were Mathewson graduates. On the trip, they were also able to connect with their old teachers and feel like an elementary student again. 

“Revisiting all the teachers, it was awesome seeing all of their reactions and sharing past memories,” said freshman Anthony Scappatura, a Mathewson graduate.

Everyone enjoyed themselves – both students and teachers. It was an experience that the Law and Mathewson students won’t forget. 

“You could tell everyone enjoyed it and it was special for the teachers to see their old students,” junior Chloe Konereski said.

In the future, Drew is hoping to keep this event an annual trip and potentially take more students. Many students plan on attending again because of how successful the trip was this year. 

“I would like to attend next year and see more students and teachers,” freshman Madi Black said.