On March 5, Becton’s National Honor Society visited Carlstadt Public School, E.R. Mckenzie School, and Maywood Memorial School to read a variety of children’s books to students in celebration of Read Across America Week.
Reflecting on the event, NHS President and senior Amanda Malave shared, “For Read Across America Week, members of the National Honor Society visit local elementary schools to promote literacy. NHS members can also create narrated story videos with pictures, which are shared with teachers to present to their students during story time.”
Read Across America is a national event that is held every year on the second of March, the birthday of children’s book author and cartoonist, Dr. Seuss. The event aims to promote a lifelong love of reading among young students by highlighting the importance of literacy in personal and academic growth. Communities across the country participate by organizing book readings, educational activities, and literacy-focused events that engage and inspire children.
The initiative started in the late 1990s in an effort to encourage overall nationwide literacy for young students. Becton’s Vice Principal and NHS Advisor, Mrs. Amanda Colangalo, shares, “At Becton, we have embraced this mission for over the past ten years by partnering with our elementary schools in all three towns. Through these efforts, our NHS students have had the rewarding experience of reading to younger children and encouraging their enthusiasm for books.”
Mrs. Colangelo continues, “To me, Read Across America is a celebration of literacy and a reminder of the transformative power of reading. Its main goal is to foster a lifelong love of books by encouraging reading from an early age, particularly in elementary school. Our NHS students aim to show young children how stories can come to life through pictures and imagination, making reading an enjoyable and engaging experience. We also end our visits by doing a small bookmark craft with the students that they can bring home and place inside their favorite book!”
Echoing this perspective, Malave, states, “Promoting literacy is essential for children in all communities, as it greatly influences their future education and who they grow up to become.”
When children develop strong reading skills, they also build critical thinking, creativity and communication abilities that will benefit them throughout their lives. Reading expands their knowledge, helps them understand different perspectives and enhances their problem-solving skills.
A community that values reading fosters an environment where learning is encouraged, ideas are shared, and personal growth is supported. Mrs. Colangelo feels, as she furthers, “While Read Across America is typically highlighted in elementary schools, Becton actively promotes literacy at the high school level as well. Our English Honor Society and media specialist do an excellent job of encouraging students to explore books and literature that resonate with their interests.”
Encouraging others to take action, Malave offers valuable advice for those interested in starting a reading initiative: “For people looking to start a reading initiative in their area, I say to just get out there and do it. No change ever happened without a leader and you need to be that leader,” Malave affirms as advice.
Following Malave’s call to action, Mrs. Colangelo offers additional guidance for those looking to make a difference in their communities, “Start small. A meaningful literacy initiative doesn’t need to be complicated—connecting with a local library or elementary school is a great first step. Volunteering to read to young children or organizing a small book drive can make a lasting impact. The key is consistency and passion. Once you see the joy that reading brings to others, you’ll realize how powerful a simple act of sharing a story can be.”
Through these meaningful connections and shared stories, Becton’s National Honor Society continues to inspire the next generation to experience the true magic of reading.
