Fairview High School's Warrior Athletic Council recently partnered with the 2nd & 7 Foundation to promote literacy at Gilles-Sweet Elementary. This initiative pairs student-athletes with second graders to foster a love of reading and provide positive role models.

"This program was established In 1999 by three Ohio State Football players and since then, it has become a national program," Gilles-Sweet Elementary Associate Principal Shanna Kovi explained. "Their mission is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward. In the past, Baldwin-Wallace students have joined us to read to the 2nd-grade students."

"The 2nd & 7 Reading Program is a powerful tool for school districts, fostering a love of reading and improving literacy outcomes," Fairview High School Athletic Director Jon Adams explained. "By pairing students with positive role models from our Warrior Athletic Council and providing engaging books, the program not only enhances academic achievement but also strengthens community involvement, making learning both fun and impactful for students at all levels."

During their visit, the Council members engaged with students, reading books from the Hog Mollies series, which teaches valuable life lessons. This collaboration enhances academic achievement and strengthens community bonds, making learning fun and impactful.

"This year, we were fortunate enough to have our very own Fairview Warriors read to the students," Kovi added. "Our students enjoyed interacting with these fellow warriors, and the teachers loved seeing their former students. We look forward to doing this again in the spring with the Warrior Athletic Council."