This 13th of March, 2nd grade students at Harmon Elementary School received an exciting visit from 2nd & 7 along with several student-athletes from the women's lacrosse, rowing, and dance teams from the Ohio State University. Athletes motivated and shared with students about the joy of reading, as well as played the role of a positive role-model to the students, teaching them the value in putting their education first. Additionally, each student received free books to take home from our very own Columbus Kids Book Bank.
I personally had the opportunity to interview a 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Gottshall, a long-standing partner with 2nd and 7, to ask for her views and thoughts on the value of our program.
She expressed to me her appreciation for our program and the vast, positive impact it has on her students. She shared that most of her students enjoy reading but sometimes lack motivation to continue doing it at home. She then shared how these visits help provide encouragement to her students as well as help foster a feeling of appreciation and excitement towards reading.
She had this to say to any schools considering a partnership with us:
“I highly recommend them, they have done a great job coming to Harmon every year and encouraging the kids to read and talking to them [the students] about the virtue really helps.”
Mrs. Gottshall has maintained a consistent partnership with 2nd & 7 for over 10 years, reaching out annually to organize readings. We are grateful to her for seeing the value in our program and helping spread our reach to her school. Harmon Elementary School’s 2nd grade students get to enjoy an exciting visit from us each year accompanied by our student athletes who get to pay it forward.
Written by Ally Garcia
Cristo Rey High School Work Study Intern