College of Education student leads reading effort

Senior elementary education student, Erin Neuenfeldt, is an intern at Oak Pointe Elementary School in Irmo. She is also on the Gamecocks beach volleyball team.

When she asked some fellow student-athletes to join her for a day of reading to students, she was overwhelmed by the response. More than two dozen Carolina students from our basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and tennis teams turned out to read to the kindergarten through fifth grade students.

"I'm not sure who was more excited - the athletes or the younger students," said Neuenfledt. "It was a blast!"

Another elementary edcuation major, Victoria Williams, said she hopes to inspire these younger students to love reading.

"They look up to as Gamecock athletes, " said Williams. "If they know we love reading, maybe they will be encouraged to grab a book and love reading, too."