LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – More than 500 volunteers took part in the 8th annual United We Read event, reaching more than 3,600 second graders across 10 Lubbock area school districts.
At Roberts Elementary, students read “Little People, Big Dreams: Amelia Earhart.” Lubbock ISD Superintendent Kathy Rollo said the book ties into what students are already learning.
“If students are reading on track by the time they enter 3rd grade, they’re much more likely to have a successful outcome in future years of school,” Rollo said.
Each student received their own copy of the book and a paper airplane built through a STEM-inspired activity.
United Way’s Libby Linker said the event highlights why early literacy matters.
“By the time you get to 3rd grade you’ve stopped learning to read and you started reading to learn,” Linker said.
Texas ranks 40th in adult literacy and millions of Texans lack basic reading skills, according to Literacy Texas. That’s why events like this are about investing in the next generation early, Linker says.
For students like Heavnlee Perez, the joy of reading is just beginning.
“Yes, I’ve always wanted to read a book by myself but I didn’t know if we could and then we all had books,” Perez said.
From turning pages to dreaming big, these second graders are learning that reading can take them anywhere.
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