On March 7th, 2024, United Way of Kenosha County (UWKC) celebrated its 14th annual Read Across Kenosha: A Community Literacy Event, coinciding with the National Education Association’s Read Across America. The 2024 event, which kicked-off at One Voice Church, was a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our community leaders and volunteers.
Kenosha Radiates Energy Surrounding Literacy
At Read Across Kenosha, 190 dedicated community members and volunteers came together to inspire the next generation of readers with a shared passion for literacy. To everyone who read with our future leaders, thank you for volunteering and being a positive role model.
“I was delighted to read this morning--and to get to read at the elementary school (Somers) I was a student at many years ago,” says Megan Nigh, Early Literacy Specialist at Kenosha Public Library and Read Across Kenosha volunteer. “The students and I all sang the school song and it made me teary-eyed after all these years because I still remember every word. The book choices--especially the Amanda Gorman book was perfect for the second graders. They had a great discussion, and they enjoyed the book. They really got the message that change starts with them. I hope that this event will continue next year, and I hope to be a reader again in the future!”
The 2024 book selection featured diverse authors and titles, guided by National Education Association’s recommendations for Read Across America and suggestions from Kenosha Unified School District. Volunteers read books such as Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena, Change Sings by Amanda Gorman, Dream Street by Trivia Elam Walker, Oh, the Thinks You can Think! By Dr. Seuss, and more.
The momentum surrounding Read Across Kenosha continued as we not only saw increased involvement (and reading!) From teachers, students, volunteers and donors across our community, but we also DONATED MORE BOOKS! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, each participating classroom received two free books to add to their classroom library, increasing capacity since reintroducing the event after COVID-19 safety postponements.
The event's success underscores the importance of literacy overall while highlighting the power of collective action in creating positive change within our community. It is through initiatives like Read Across Kenosha that we can provide students with access to new worlds and opportunities through literature.
“Oh my gosh, Mrs. Jones [Read Across Kenosha volunteer] was amazing,” says Mrs. Mari Enwright, third grade teacher at Nash. “My students were practically jumping into her lap as she read. At one point, I asked the kids to stop moving because they could not get close enough. It made me reflect on how they still love to hear stories being read aloud and the importance of having GREAT role models reading to them. I am so grateful!”
The positive energy surrounding Read Across Kenosha is evident of our community’s passion to work together to open doors to new opportunities. By increasing access to high-quality books, and creating more positive memories surrounding literacy, we can help nurture a love for reading, which is imperative for the future success of our youth.
Reading proficiency is recognized as an indicator of future potential and success. In Kenosha County where only a reported 36% of third grade students read proficiently, we know that it is critical to come together to inspire the next generation of readers and foster both a lifelong love for reading and a curiosity to learn.
Other Noteworthy Moments from Read Across Kenosha
While energy surrounding Read Across Kenosha keeps us moving forward, there's still more that we want to note, including gratitude for our sponsors and partners, how to get involved if you missed the event, and our other literacy initiatives.
Without a doubt, Read Across Kenosha would not have been possible without our 2024 sponsors who helped bring the event to life: Uline, Gateway Technical College, Johnson Financial Group, Ardent Mills, Kleenmark, and LMI Packaging. Additionally, we are grateful for our educators and partners in literacy: Kenosha Unified School District, All Saints Catholic School, Bristol School, Riverview Elementary, Salem School District, Kenosha Public Library, and Kenosha Community Media.
Then we have one last moment of gratitude for those who helped fuel the more than 190 Read Across Kenosha volunteers. Thank you for generously providing baked goods and refreshments: Crown Bakeries, Festival Foods, Fresh Thyme, Piggly Wiggly, Target, Panera, and Daily Dose Cafe.
Didn’t get a chance to participate in the 2024 Read Across Kenosha? We are still looking for community leaders who want to record a virtual reading in partnership with Kenosha Community Media. Students and families can enjoy these Read Across Kenosha moments, including reading from local leaders such as City of Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian, from their own homes by tuning in to the videos, which are available on United Way of Kenosha County’s YouTube Channel.
Lastly, at the event, we collected hundreds of new and gently used books to benefit participants in United Way of Kenosha County’s literacy initiatives, including Readers Are Leaders tutoring program. These books will be distributed to students during our Readers Are Leaders end of year celebrations as part of their summer reading supplies. To record a virtual reading, donate items to be included in Readers Are Leaders Summer Slide Prevention Kits, or get involved in another United Way of Kenosha County initiative, please email Marisa Markowski at mmarkowski@kenoshaunitedway.org.
As we all gathered for Read Across Kenosha, it was evident that we share a profound understanding of the importance of reading in shaping the future of our young people. Now, as we move forward, let’s continue to remember reading is not just a fundamental skill; it is the gateway to knowledge, imagination, and endless possibilities. As Garrison Keillor astutely said, “A book is a gift that you can open again and again.”