The noise coming from the tiny lungs of more than 3,000 fourth and fifth graders generated enough decibels to raise the roof off the Kia Center.And their inspiration? The Orlando Magic.The team hopes to get kids excited about seeing them in action and to spark enthusiasm for reading. From that comes the name, “Pick, Read and Roll.”“A lot of their free time is spent on a computer or a device,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “This is an opportunity for them to engage with real-life heroes whom they look up to, and to hear from them why reading is important.A joint effort between the Orlando Magic and Orange County Public Schools, the program begins when students are invited to the event in fourth grade.Those who show improvement in their reading skills over the following year are invited back as fifth graders, and then they get the royal treatment.They join Magic players on the court for interactive games that may seem silly, but the motivation is serious. The team is shooting to give kids the best shot at long-term success.“A lot of these kids look up to us, so I feel like anything we do, good or bad, is going to be in the spotlight,” said Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr. “So this is an opportunity for us to use our platform for some good.”The event brings smiles to everyone involved, from players and staff to teachers and administrators.Fourth grader Aniylah put it simply: “Because the crowd just cheering up for everybody, the music, the groove, the beat, everything.”With that kind of energy in the arena, it’s clear what the Magic will be able to accomplish with the kids, and what they can do to inspire their big dreams.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
The noise coming from the tiny lungs of more than 3,000 fourth and fifth graders generated enough decibels to raise the roof off the Kia Center.
And their inspiration? The Orlando Magic.
The team hopes to get kids excited about seeing them in action and to spark enthusiasm for reading. From that comes the name, “Pick, Read and Roll.”
“A lot of their free time is spent on a computer or a device,” said Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez. “This is an opportunity for them to engage with real-life heroes whom they look up to, and to hear from them why reading is important.
A joint effort between the Orlando Magic and Orange County Public Schools, the program begins when students are invited to the event in fourth grade.
Those who show improvement in their reading skills over the following year are invited back as fifth graders, and then they get the royal treatment.
They join Magic players on the court for interactive games that may seem silly, but the motivation is serious. The team is shooting to give kids the best shot at long-term success.
“A lot of these kids look up to us, so I feel like anything we do, good or bad, is going to be in the spotlight,” said Magic forward Wendell Carter Jr. “So this is an opportunity for us to use our platform for some good.”
The event brings smiles to everyone involved, from players and staff to teachers and administrators.
Fourth grader Aniylah put it simply: “Because the crowd just cheering up for everybody, the music, the groove, the beat, everything.”
With that kind of energy in the arena, it’s clear what the Magic will be able to accomplish with the kids, and what they can do to inspire their big dreams.