In the classrooms of Salem Community High School’s elementary feeders, something special is happening. High school athletes are stepping off the playing field and into the lives of young students—one book at a time. It’s all part of a program designed to bring students together through literacy, fostering connections that transcend grade levels and inspiring younger students to embrace reading in a meaningful way.

While Coach Kevin Greene was instrumental in bringing this initiative to Salem, he’s quick to shift the focus away from himself. “This program isn’t about me—it’s about the kids,” Greene says, echoing his belief that the athletes and younger students are the ones truly making the impact. And he’s right. The high school athletes, typically known for their work on the field or court of play, have embraced the chance to mentor younger students, reading books with important messages, fostering a lifelong love for learning.

A Focus on Literacy and Character
The program is simple in concept but powerful in practice. High school athletes regularly visit the younger grades, reading stories that focus on character-building topics such as respect, empathy, and teamwork. As they read, these older students also discuss the themes in the stories, encouraging open dialogue among the younger students and showing how lessons from the classroom can be applied to real life.

“The idea is to use books that teach life lessons,” Greene explains. “These high school athletes are role models, and the younger kids look up to them. It’s about showing them that reading isn’t just about learning words—it’s about learning how to be a good person.”

The connections formed through the program are one of its biggest successes. For the younger students, seeing their high school heroes in a new light creates an exciting and engaging atmosphere. They see these older students not just as athletes, but as mentors who take the time to share their love for reading and education.

“This program really helps build a sense of community within the school,” Greene says. “The younger kids look forward to it, and the older kids see the importance of being role models. It’s a win for both groups.”

For the high school students, many of whom were once sitting in those same elementary classrooms, the program offers a chance to give back and make a difference in the lives of younger students. “It’s rewarding for the athletes to know that they’re having a positive impact on the next generation of students,” Greene notes.

The benefits of the program can certainly lead to greater academic success, but go well beyond the classroom too. The student athletes themselves have also grown through their involvement. “It’s about more than just reading a book,” says Greene. “The high school students learn how to connect with younger kids, develop their leadership skills, and understand the value of community service. Those are lessons that will stay with them long after they’ve left the football field.”

The program is continuing to expand, with more athletes getting involved and more classrooms eager to participate. “We’re really proud of how far it’s come,” Greene says. “The students have embraced it, and the feedback from teachers and parents has been incredibly positive.”

As the program grows, its potential to shape both the students and the community becomes even more apparent. By using literacy as a bridge between age groups, the initiative fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility within the school, giving both high school and elementary students a unique opportunity to learn from one another.

Coach Greene may have been the driving force behind the program initially, but it’s clear that the students are the ones making it thrive. “It’s all about them,” Greene says with a smile. “I’m just glad I could help set the stage.”

For Salem Community High School and the communities it serves, this literacy program is more than just a reading initiative—it’s a way to build relationships, inspire students, and ensure that the values of learning and leadership are passed down from one generation to the next.