MADISON, Wis. — On Thursday, Feb. 23, Wisconsin volleyball student-athletes read children's stories to students at Brooklyn Elementary School, for the first annual "Dinner and a Book" event.
The "Dinner and a Book" event was new to the city of Brooklyn, Wisconsin this year and its purpose was to promote literacy to elementary students at an event that was also a family experience. The attendees of the event were able to enjoy a book read to them by members of the community, eat dinner as a family and pick out a book to take home. The best part of the event was that it was all free of charge to the families.
"The kids were a blast to read to and I loved how engaged they were. It's really rewarding as a student-athlete to have opportunities like that," said Sarah Dodd, a UW freshman and a defensive specialist for the Badgers' volleyball team.
Wisconsin volleyball student-athletes Mallory Dixon (left) and M.E. Dodge read a story to children at Brooklyn Elementary.
The families and their children were divided up into small groups and went from classroom to classroom, in which each room contained a different community member. The respective community member in the room then read the children a book.
After the book was finished, children were able to ask the community members questions. Not only did the children get to learn more about the student-athletes, but the student-athletes got to learn a little something too.
"One of the best parts about the event was interacting with the kids when our book was finished. The best was when Mallory and I learned about karate and ballet!" said M.E. Dodge, a fellow freshman and volleyball defensive specialist.
Signing autographs for a young Badger volleyball fan!
The event was a huge success and helped promote the importance of reading and literacy with the help of excellent role models in the community.
Brooklyn Elementary Kindergarten teacher, Jesse Huenink, applaued the positive influence that UW student-athletes and community members have on others.
"Being able to have student-athletes at this event was special," Huenink shared. "Students were able to meet the athletes and hear stories about what it was like to be an athlete as well as a student. They are great role models for our youngest learners!"
