JMU Football visits W.H. Keister Elementary for Reading Month

On Wednesday, members of the James Madison football team visited W.H. Keister Elementary School in Harrisonburg to speak to students about the importance of reading. The school was celebrating National Reading Month in March.

First the student-athletes of the JMU football team talked about the importance of reading, not just in school but also outside in the real world. They asked kids what their favorite books were to read, and if they did not have a favorite, they encouraged them to pick up a book related to their passion. After that they transitioned into talking about their successful season and winning the national championship. At the end of the visit they formed a huddle and broke on the word "family."

Junior Brett Siegel said, "Coach Houston emphasizes being a family so we wanted them to practice that in their classrooms as well".

When asked what his favorite part of the visit was, Siegel replied, "Overall the experience was incredible. I enjoyed the presence of the kids, being able to be a positive influence in their lives and seeing how passionate they were about reading and JMU football. I also enjoyed the teachers and how awesome they were towards us."

Siegal added, "Community service is important to me because I feel like the community of Harrisonburg has given my teammates and myself so much, therefore I feel obligated to give back to the community. I believe a key to a great community is giving back to it."

Students and teachers at Keister are pictured showing their JMU spirit on Friday, Jan. 6 on the eve of the 2017 FCS title game in Frisco, Texas.

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