Kathleen Swinney, Clemson football players to distribute books, celebrate reading at event for elementary school students

Kadee Herring, an early literacy teacher leader for Chesterfield County Schools, wouldn't trade her position for the world, but a trip from Chesterfield County to Clemson University with a school bus full of first graders can be a little tiring for even the most experienced educator. She recalls a return trip from Clemson's annual Tigers Read! event where she remarked, "I can't wait to be home."

One of her students, Janasia, quickly replied that she wished the day could last forever. Now in the fourth grade, Janasia stops by Herring's room regularly to discuss the books she is reading, and she always stops to look at the framed photos from the event on Herring's desk. She asks about the event and who from her school will attend this year.

"A student like Janasia reminds me what this day means to them; it's magical," Herring said. "Our first graders are so excited to get brand new books from football players; in their eyes, these guys are truly famous. Meeting these players and receiving a gift of 10 books leaves a lasting impact."

Kathleen Swinney and Clemson University Football players will welcome students from across South Carolina to stress the importance of reading on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:30 a.m. Now in its ninth year, the Tigers Read! Initiative is organized by Dabo's All In Team Foundation, faculty from the Clemson University College of Education and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company.

The event is over the top but in the best way. The only thing that will be missing from Clemson's indoor practice facility when 250 elementary school students walk through its doors this week is the red carpet, but a full-sized indoor football field-and all that orange-more than compensates. It has left an impression on teachers and students.

The event draws students and teachers from across the state so that its hosts can provide books to combat the "summer slide," which is the decline in reading skills that many students experience during the summer months.

Herring has attended the event multiple times to bring a group of first-grade students. She said many striving readers see reading as a chore because learning to read has not come easily to them. A day filled with literal and figurative cheerleaders for reading, along with tangible gifts to encourage it, indeed reinforces the importance of reading.

"Seeing the students walk onto the practice field with the band and cheerleaders there brings tears to my eyes every year," Herring said. "We may spend eight hours roundtrip to experience it, but the joy it brings our students makes every second worth it."

C.C. Bates serves as associate dean for research and graduate studies in the College of Education and director of the Clemson University Early Literacy Center. She said learning to read is the foundation for all academic success, and fighting summer reading setback is critical to students' longitudinal outcomes. Bates added that reading during the summer months helps enhance literacy skills and fosters a love for reading.

"Summer reading helps to prevent the 'summer slide' by maintaining and reinforcing progress made during the academic year," Bates said. "When players read a book aloud to the students at the event, they also discuss the importance of practice and liken summer reading to their time spent preparing for football games. It is exciting to see students who attend the event make that connection and become motivated to read."

The collaboration with Dabo's All In Team Foundation and Scholastic has allowed the College of Education to distribute nearly 100,000 books to first-grade students across the state.

In addition to student-athletes and the Swinneys, children will meet with Clifford the Big Red Dog®, receive drawstring bags full of books to take home and enjoy a community-sponsored hot dog lunch. Organizers invite media to attend the event to hear from the Swinneys and meet with athletes and teachers in attendance.

For media inquiries, contact Alex Brooks ([email protected], 419-351-0009) or Michael Staton ([email protected], 864-933-0334).