Students at Schuylkill Valley Elementary School were rewarded with another special assembly, the last being when they pied their principal and assistant principal in the face, for being the number one school in Berks County in raising funds to fight adult illiteracy in a campaign run by the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks.
The campaign raised a total of $38,724.22 with Schuylkill Valley Elementary School contributing nearly 25% with $9,462. To celebrate their win, the students were treated to a question and answer session with two of the Reading Fightin’ Phils’ players, relief pitcher Mike Nesseth and first baseman Brock Stassi.
“This is our assembly to receive our prizes for winning the contest,” said Melissa Kelchner, Schuylkill Valley Elementary School principal. “We all know how important reading is and I see a bunch of readers in front of me. The fact that we raised that money so that we can teach grownups to read is pretty amazing.”
The school was presented with a plaque from the Literacy Council, one that they had previously in 2013, and a trophy that they get to keep.
“I just have to say, you are amazing,” said Laurie Dawkins, Associate Director of the Literacy Council.
“I just want to thank you for helping me,” added Janet Clemmer, board member of the Literacy Council. “I am on a committee and I have to bring in so much money. And when I saw the income from this school, I knew I was in good shape.”
Following the presentation, it was time for the main event.
“You should be very proud of your accomplishments this morning,” said Mike Robinson, Executive Director of Community Relations and Fan Development with the team. “That’s a great job.”
Nesseth and Stassi both introduced themselves and explained what positions they play before turning it over to the questions. Each classroom prepared two questions to ask the players.
“Congratulations for all the money that you raised and all the reading that you guys did,” said Stassi. “That’s awesome. I’m looking forward to hanging out with you guys for a bit.”
Many of the questions focused on what books the players enjoy and how they began reading.
When asked what their favorite books were both gave answers that had a positive reaction from the students.
“I love reading,” said Stassi. “I would say my first favorite book was ‘Harry Potter.'” He explained that he was the same age as Harry when he began reading and for him it felt like he was going through Hogwarts with the main character.
“When I was really young, I loved ‘Where the Wild Things Are,'” said Nesseth.
They also shared that they enjoy reading on long bus rides and answered how they use reading in their jobs. Reading Specialist Deborah Werstler emphasizes to her students that “there is not a job that you have in life that doesn’t require reading.”
There were quite a few laughs at the questions and answers throughout the morning.
“I just want to say congratulations again to everybody,” said Nesseth. “And thanks for having us. This has been probably the best community service I’ve done since I’ve been doing it.”
Stassi added, “Congratulations, you guys are awesome and thanks for having us.”
Following the assembly, the players positioned themselves in the hallway and gave each passing student, and in some cases teacher, a high-five as they returned to class.
