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Punt, pass and read

| 10 Oct 2013 | 03:53
    Jason Maxwell, left, reads to the kids in Janelle Peine's class at Westbrook Monday as part of the team's Punt, Pass and Read program, encouraging reading for all kids, all ages.
    Jason Maxwell, left, reads to the kids in Janelle Peine's class at Westbrook Monday as part of the team's Punt, Pass and Read program, encouraging reading for all kids, all ages.
    Theresa McCabe looks on as two of her former students, Dylan Walko, #18, and Thomas Murphy, #13, read to her students.
    Theresa McCabe looks on as two of her former students, Dylan Walko, #18, and Thomas Murphy, #13, read to her students.
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick When James Hoffman, right, finished reading the story book to Jennifer Casperson's third grade class, one student yelled "I like that story!" Shane LePore, #4, also read to the class.
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick When James Hoffman, right, finished reading the story book to Jennifer Casperson's third grade class, one student yelled "I like that story!" Shane LePore, #4, also read to the class.

WEST MILFORD — Many kids love sports and look up to the athletes. With that in mind, West Milford High School football head coach Don Dougherty decided to show younger kids that his athletes hit the books as well as the gridiron. Senior Highlanders, dressed in their jerseys, hit each elementary school in the district this week. They chose some of their favorite kids' books and paired up to go to the third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms throughout the district.

At Westbrook, it was like going home again for Dylan Walko and Thomas Murphy. They chose Theresa McCabe's fourth grade class to read to. Dylan and Tom reminisced about being in the classroom eight years ago. They pointed out that the room is always hot - all winter long - and the Mrs. McCabe's desk was not where it is now. McCable loved the reminiscing with the boys and was very proud that they are now about to choose colleges to attend.

Jennifer Casperson's third graders were very excited to see James Hoffman and Shane Lepore read to them. When James was finished reading????, one of the students shouted, :I like that story!"

Same for Janelle Peine's students. Jason Maxwell gave a spirited reading of WHAT to the kids who were enthralled by the older boys.

Dougherty said the boys chose the books from a list he received from his wife, who teaches in another district. It's important, he said, that they see the football players aren't always just thinking about football.

"The second grade students in Shawn Rhinesmith’s class at Marshall Hill School enjoyed a visit from members of the West Milford High School Football team. The players read numerous books to the students as part of their new Punt, Pass, and Read Program. In return, the second graders practiced their friendly letter writing skills by writing to the football players and thanking them for their time and effort." said Dougherty.