CARSON CITY — Anytime a child picks up a book and reads it cover to cover, it is the equivalent to hitting a home run.
Emphasizing the importance of reading to more than 100 Seeliger Elementary fourth graders, WNC baseball players Donald Glover, Evan Parker and Carson Now sports editor and play-by-play announcer Chris Graham used the children's book "Home Run" to encourage youngsters to think of reading like playing baseball or softball. Finishing books from front to back should be celebrated because the rewards — learning something new — will last a lifetime.
With Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval proclaiming March as "Nevada Reading Month" the WNC team each took turns Thursday reading from the book about legendary baseball home run hitter Babe Ruth and then answered questions from students. Gov. Sandoval attended Fritsch Elementary School in Carson City for a Friday reading with first graders while First Lady Kathleen Sandoval read to elementary school students in Reno.
Parker, a pitcher for the WNC Wildcats and Glover, a center fielder, encouraged students to pick up as many books as they can and learn about figures who have made a difference in people's lives or have changed the world in positive ways.
"When you read, the words will be with you wherever you go," Glover told the children. Parker notes that his favorite books have been about sports heroes and coaches "who inspire us to do better."
Seeliger Librarian Connie Fronapfel said children often look to public figures like athletes for inspiration. When athletes encourage children to pick up books and read, the instruction can turn a positive page for children and their academics.
"When you have sports figures and people who children can identify tell them that reading is enjoyable, it has a positive impact on their lives," she said.
Graham, who attended Seeliger in 1993, said he asked Fronapfel if the WNC players could read for the students as part of state and national reading programs being emphasized in February and March.
"Reading is something that I believe is one of the most important things anyone needs to learn in life," Graham said. "It was great to see the enthusiasm of the kids when we talked about the importance of reading."
Graham extended his gratitude to Seeliger Principal Paula Zona, school librarian Fronapfel, and the rest of the Seeliger staff for accepting the invitation.
"We had a fantastic time observing 'Nevada Reading Month' at Seeliger Elementary School," said Graham.