Star Light Reading Program

During the Star Light Reading Program, student athletes read a book to children in a classroom using videoconferencing technology. They discuss the book with the children and the children have the opportunity to ask the athletes questions.

Since the first year of the Starlight Program, the number of student athletes participating has grown. Currently, athletes representing every sport on campus have read to children in schools throughout the state. The books that are read are from the Verizon Children's Literature Collection available in the Reflector.

Since the program began, we have had approximately one reading per week each semester. Representatives from the COE work with Athletic Department personnel to set up athletes to read each week, choose the book that will be read to the class, meet with the athlete to go over the book before it is read, and work with the teachers in the schools to schedule the videoconferences.

Readings currently take place on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Tiger Eye Reading Room inside the Reflector.

Participating Schools:

Hallsville Elementary School, Hallsville, Missouri
Bryant Elementary School, Independence, Missouri
Dewey School, Chillicothe, Missouri
James Walker Elementary School, Independence, Missouri
Blackburn Elementary School, Independence, Missouri