SPLENDORA, Texas – Students of all ages came together at Timber Lakes Elementary Thursday for a unique event that blended literacy and sports.
High school and junior high students took on mentorship roles, reading to younger students and leading interactive sports-themed activities throughout the school.
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The event, which kicked off at 9 a.m., was designed to make reading more engaging by connecting it to a subject many kids love—sports. From books about basketball legends to soccer drills incorporating storytelling, students were encouraged to see reading in a whole new way.
A Community Effort
Months of planning went into making the event a success, with parents, teachers, and volunteers from across the community stepping up to help.
The school’s library was transformed into a reading hub, while different areas of the campus featured sports stations where kids could play golf, soccer, and basketball while learning about famous athletes and their inspiring journeys.
“We wanted to make reading fun and interactive,” one teacher said. “Seeing older students step up as leaders and inspire the younger ones has been amazing.”
Bringing the Community Together
Beyond reading, the event showcased the power of mentorship. High school and junior high students not only read to them but engaged with the younger kids by showing their love for sports.
“They probably just look at us and are like “I want to be like them when I grow up,” said one student with the L.A.S.O organization with Splendora High School.
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To thank those involved, Timber Lakes Elementary provided food for volunteers and guests, reinforcing the strong sense of community that made the event possible.
A Lasting Impact
By combining literacy with hands-on activities, Timber Lakes hopes to instill a love for reading in students while strengthening relationships across grade levels.
Teachers and organizers say they plan to continue the event in future years, making it a tradition that inspires young minds for generations to come.
