Little kids are often in awe of big kids. Put a first-grader next to a high school football player in full uniform, and you are likely to see the little eyes open wide in wonder. In Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), where a goal of having 90% of local children reading by third grade and reading proficiently by fourth grade has been set, combining literacy with "big kid" athletes is a winning combination.

PVSD held its fifth Read Under the Lights event on Sept. 29 at the Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) stadium, 4033 E. Newport Road, Kinzers. PVSD children from birth through sixth grade were invited to attend with their families. On the football field were opportunities to visit up to 10 stations to play games, take part in a literacy activity, and hear a book read by a student-athlete. In addition, each child received a free book, and families were given three door prize tickets. Door prizes included seasonal themed baskets, featuring a country kitchen basket, a bath basket, a baking basket, a crafting basket, a family game night basket, a Paradise PTO gift basket, and more. The snack bar was open with food items for purchase.

Doors opened at 5:45 p.m. After registering, young students could choose to visit a number of stations manned by members of PVHS sports teams. Station 10 was surrounded by football players in their Braves shirts, while softball players at station 8 offered to do arm circles with a student as part of a game. At station 7, members of the girls' tennis team oversaw a fishing game, and at station 3 miniature basketball hoops and inflatable basketballs covered the ground. At the boys' soccer team station, a member of the team read "The Grouchy Ladybug" to seven young students.

PVSD assistant superintendent Rich Eby took the microphone to welcome everyone to the event celebrating literacy and community. He noted that the members of the different sports teams were ready to read to students and encouraged families to enjoy themselves.

Local organizations that had displays and personnel at the event included Community Action Partnership, Boy Scouts of America Pack 28 Paradise, and Joining Forces For Prevention.

According to Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy at The Factory Ministries, who worked on the event with early learning director Lisa Eckert, organizers hoped to see more than 200 students attend.

PVHS principal John Trovato expressed delight over the event. "We have a beautiful night for this," he said. "I love the high school kids helping out the younger kids. That is so cool."

More information about the PVSD early learning program may be found by clicking on the "Early Learning" tab at http://www.pequeavalley.org.