Sun Devil WBB Partners with Washington Elementary School District for #ReadAcrossAmerica

TEMPE, Ariz. – For the second time in less than a year, Sun Devil Women's Basketball partnered with the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) in helping promote an initiative to help children learn the importance of reading.
 
Student-athletes from Sun Devil WBB individually recorded readings of several book titles for this week's Read Across America celebration. The readings were provided to WESD which it included in its Read Across America Guest Reader Library.
 
"Our student-athletes were delighted to once again work with Washington Elementary School District as we realize the importance of teaching children the benefits of reading at such an early age," ASU head coach Charli Turner Thorne said. "We are hopeful that within the next year we can do this as an in-person exercise in classrooms in order to develop an even closer connection and tell our own stories about why reading is so important." 
 
"The WESD was truly grateful to have the ASU Women's Basketball team participate in our virtual Read Across America celebration," WESD Director of Communications and Public Engagement Pam Horton said. "Having guest readers like these student-athletes read aloud to our students enriches the experience for our students and expands their imagination. These women are role models for many and we feel so fortunate that they shared their love of reading with our students."
 
Last September, Sun Devil WBB and WESD partnered for National Read a Book Day.
 
Community service is one of the core values of the Sun Devil women's basketball program. Student-athletes and staff have averaged more than 220 hours of community service each year. Pat's Run, Character Code and Sparky's Caravan are just a few of the initiatives the team participates in on an annual basis.
 
Washington Elementary School District (WESD) is proud to serve a diverse population in north central Phoenix and east Glendale. The largest elementary school district in Arizona, WESD is comprised of 32 schools (19 K-6 schools, one K-5 school, seven K-8 schools and five middle/junior high schools).