Power to Learn - Honor Students at PS 178 are treated to a read-along with NBA All-Star John Starks.

New York City - Honor Students at PS 178 are treated to a read-along with NBA All-Star John Starks.
December 8, 2008

Literacy was celebrated today at PS 178 in the Bronx with 42 hand-picked honor students in grades 3, 4 and 5 for a read-along with the children from the poetry book Speak to Me (And I Will Listen Between the Lines), a copy of which was donated to each student. Welcomed guests included Congressman Joseph Crowley, several folks from Power to Learn, Knicks' VP for Community Relations & Field Marketing, Karin Buchholz, and Knicks Alumnus John Starks. John Starks and the Congressman took turns reading aloud as well as encouraging the students to come forward and read aloud to the assembly.

Video of Event (07:31 mins)

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Ms. Buchholz, Mr. Starks, and the Congressman each spoke separately about the importance of reading and how it impacted not only their own lives, but how important it is to everyone's future. After the read-along, the students participated in an interactive comprehension quiz based on the poems they had just read by using automated response technology. Once they successfully completed the quiz, they were awarded a giant postcard from John Starks that he signed for them, and then Mr. Starks and the Congressman each autographed each child's copy of the book.

The Knicks' Street Team was on hand after the assembly to do some fun exercises with the kids.

“Literacy programs are vital to engaging young minds and have the greatest impact when they can both motivate and teach such as this program today,” said Congressman Crowley. “I’m proud to join Cablevision and the New York Knicks today to help the children here of Dr. Selman Waksman School experience literacy in a truly innovative and exciting way.”

“Motivating students throughout the tri-state area to embrace reading can be a significant contributor to their future success and that is why we are excited and proud to play a part in this important program,” added Karin Buchholz.