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Herndon High School boys basketball players are stepping into a different kind of leadership role, meeting weekly with younger students at Herndon Elementary School to read, talk and build lasting connections.
The visits are part of Readers Are Leaders, an initiative that pairs the athletes with elementary school reading buddies. The program began in January and will continue through the remainder of the school year.
Longtime educator and coach Wendell Byrd founded the initiative to combine literacy development with community service. After spending more than 30 years teaching elementary students and coaching high school athletes, Byrd envisioned mentorship that could benefit both age groups.
During each visit, the athletes meet with their assigned buddies for dedicated reading time. Some pairs find quiet spots in the library, while others take turns reading aloud, discuss stories or spend time getting acquainted.
The regular practice helps younger students strengthen their reading skills and confidence. At the same time, the high school students develop patience, communication skills and a greater understanding of their influence as role models.
“Seeing the younger generation, I remember myself in elementary school hanging with my friends,” said Cam, a junior mentor. “It’s cool to coach up the next generation. And see who is going to be in our shoes in a matter of a couple of years.”
Jonathan, Cam’s fourth-grade buddy, hopes their friendship continues beyond the program.
“I want him to graduate and live close so he can keep visiting me and we can read together,” Jonathan said.
Junior mentor Averi joined because he remembers having a similar relationship when he attended Hutchison Elementary School.
“I had the same mentoring experience at Hutchison Elementary School, and it was really cool to have someone to relate to outside of the teachers,” Averi said. “I want to do that for someone else, like it was done for me.”
His first-grade buddy, Eoghan, looks forward to reading together—and possibly sharing other activities someday.
“I like to read with him, and he might play basketball with me,” Eoghan said. “I hope we can play video games one day.”
Other participants entered the initiative with specific academic goals. Dylan, a sixth grader, said he joined “to learn to read better to pass my SOL.”
His mentor, senior Isiah, sees the experience as a chance to reconnect with his former school.
“I felt like I was giving back to my old school,” Isiah said. “I hope to help the kids be better readers and get to know them. I like getting to know people.”
Herndon Elementary counselors Tiffany Bryant, Brian Falkey and Karsyn Boyer coordinate the partnership with Austin Hamilton, head coach of the Herndon High boys varsity basketball team. They will support the program throughout the year.
The weekly meetings give elementary students consistent encouragement from older peers while allowing the athletes to practice leadership through service. Across shared books and conversations, the students are learning that mentorship can begin with something as simple as sitting down and reading together.