WILKES-BARRE, PA (March 7, 2025) -- The 2025 National Read Across America Day fell on a Sunday this year, March2, but that did not deter the King's College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) from visiting nearby St. Nicholas – St. Mary School this past Monday, March 3 to celebrate the holiday.

A time-honored tradition that celebrates the beloved author Dr. Seuss, National Read Across America allows our Monarch student-athletes to share their love of reading with students from Kindergarten through 3rd grade Monday afternoon.

"Read Across America Day is a great way to promote literacy and a love of reading among children and communities," said King's women's volleyball junior Bella Salvia. "Having the opportunity to be connected and engaged in a local school is just one of the ways that we can give back to the community. As an education major and student-athlete, I am proud to contribute to such a meaningful event and help share the joy of reading to the students."

Salvia was joined by fellow-Monarchs in Samir Lee, Kyle VanConia, Josh Kollar, Thomas Widawsky, Will Velazquez, Ray Gooley, Jake Karnish, Aspen Wallin, Adriana Conforti, Delaney Hilferty, Victoria Zultevicz, and Emma Bolich.

"Read Across America Day was a great way to give back to the very supportive community of Wilkes-Barre," added King's men's basketball sophomore Jake Karnish. "Being able to sit down, read to the elementary students, and see their excitement made me extremely grateful that I had this opportunity!"

This year's event marks the third consecutive year in person and the seventh year overall for our Monarchs. This unique and exciting opportunity to read books and answer questions with the great students at St. Nicholas - St. Mary School was a rewarding experience, and it is an event that will be circled on the calendar for many for the upcoming year.