By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief and Haley Stroffolino – Social Media Editor-In-Chief

A group of students from Jonathan Law High School, including athletes, winter sports captains, and club leaders, went to Mathewson Elementary school on February 28 for National Read Across America Day. 

The Law students went to various classrooms where they had the opportunity to read to many different students. They were able to talk to the students, find out each other’s interests and enjoy reading. 

“I think my favorite part of Read Across America Day would be seeing the joy and excitement that reading brings to my students,” Mathewson second grade teacher Amy Bugge said. “It’s a day dedicated to celebrating books and stories, which is such a wonderful way to inspire imagination, learning, and curiosity in everyone. Having former students come back to read to my class has created such a meaningful connection between the past and present.” 

Many Law students attended Mathewson Elementary School, so many were looking forward to visiting their old school and seeing familiar faces. Others were excited to be able to see younger siblings. 

“I wanted to participate because I have a little sister at Mathewson and know how much it means to the kids when they see high schoolers come and read to them,” senior Aryanna Maldonado said. “I really wanted to bring a smile to their faces.”

Maldonado, who is a captain on the cheerleading team, was not only happy to see her sister, but was excited to go and read with her friends. 

“I was excited to go to Mathewson because I wanted to engage with the students and help them learn,” senior Tessa Piselli said. “I hoped the students had fun and potentially learned something from me.”

Many students at Mathewson were eager to be able to learn something new from the Law students. 

“Participating in the Read Across America day was rewarding because after seeing how much it impacted the kids and how excited they were interacting with the older athletes,” senior Chloe Konareski said. “It was so special to see and was a great opportunity to do something so small that will impact others so much.” 

Since 2018, students from Law and Joseph A. Foran High School have gone to Mathewson to read to the elementary students to celebrate RAM Day. 

“I believe RAM day is important because it celebrates literacy and brings awareness to the multitude of ways books create lifelong memories,” Law special education teacher Mrs. Drew said.