MCKENZIE, Tenn. – Several Bethel athletes took time out of their night to give back to the McKenzie youth. Athletes attended McKenzie Elementary’s Family Reading Night. Students from Bethel University helped students read for accelerated reading to reach their personal goals.
The McKenzie Elementary’s Family Reading Night normally has sixty to ninety students per night.
“It is just a time for them to become better readers,” McKenzie Elementary Librarian Jill Wilson said. “It’s a place where students can improve their reading comprehension through reading and taking tests on the books.”
This after school program is held to give students the opportunity to become motivated readers.
“If accelerated reader is used correctly, it can be a motivator and it helps them to keep up and be motivated to get to the next level,” said Warren. “The program looks to make reading interesting for students We try to have something fun every time. We have had the Disney princesses come, Santa & Mrs. Claus, the elves, and the athletes throughout the area.”
Over a dozen athletes were helping the students read and earn more AR points, even Rowdy the Wildcat made an appearance at the library.
The effort by the Bethel athletes in in conjunction with the NAIA Champions of Character Initiative.