Readers are Winners is a reading program headed up by the senior basketball players at Belleville Mennonite. Six years ago, elementary teacher Christine Baker started the program in hopes to establish a connection between the different age groups. “We wanted to do something linking the elementary and high school students. The younger kids especially look up to the athletes so getting them to come and read shows the younger ones that it’s important to be a winner both on the court and academically,” commented Mrs. Baker.

This year’s seven seniors were excited to continue the tradition. Senior Chrissy Peachey thought it was a great way to interact with the younger students. She also pointed out the importance of reading that is influenced.

Elementary students are drawn at random from each class. This year’s seniors and their matches were as follows: Kindergartener Kelsey Beaston and senior Chrissy Peachey, first grader Natalie Attlesperger and senior John Dellape, second grader Olivia Bell and senior Ally Peachey, third grader Alexis Peachey and senior Aaron Spicher, fourth grader William Hoefel and senior Evan Peachey, fifth grader Avery Yoder and senior Logan Metzler, and lastly, fifth grader Anna Aurand and senior Becca Peachey.

Each student, along with the class, was read to by his or her senior and the selected student was given the away jersey of his or her athlete. The students were able to wear their jerseys to a basketball game that evening, where they were presented with a book by their senior athlete.

First grader Natalie Attlesperger’s response to the experience was nothing but positive, “It was really fun. I especially liked the book. It was fun getting read to.”