NFL lineman tells Boardman kids value of reading at literacy event


By William K. Alcorn

alcorn@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Reading is a big deal at Market Street Elementary School.

It was proved Thursday when nearly 150 parents, 110 students in kindergarten through fourth grades and 50 staff members attended an “Imagine With Us” literacy night.

The school teamed up with United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to present the event that included story time and crafts for the children, advice for the parents on how to help their children become good readers, and testimony about the value of reading from celebrities such as Cleveland Browns offensive lineman John P. Greco Jr., a Boardman High School graduate.

Greco, whose wife, Jodi, previously taught at Market Street, told how reading positively impacts his life.

“I read in my spare time to relax and unwind,” he said.

“In my job as a professional football player, I have to read and understand the playbook inside and out all season. If not, I’m not going to be very good at my job,” Greco said.

He urged the children to listen to their parents and teachers.

“Reading is very important,” Greco said.

Reading is a form of communication. Whatever our goals are, reading is the key,” John Murphy, director of football operations at Youngstown State University.

“It makes you thank your parents and teachers,” Murphy said.

Josephine Nolfi, director of programming and youth services at the library, said the partnership with United Way is important because the focus of both organizations is on early and family literacy.

“All of the library’s learning programs are designed to entertain and learn,” she said.

“We’re always excited to be in schools to help promote family literacy, which is the key to making kids successful readers,” Nolfi said.

Market Street School is very lucky to have a very strong Patent-Teacher Organization that supports the schools and events like this, said Julie Kamenitsa, reading intervention specialist.

During the two-hour event, students in kindergarten through second grade took part in story time and a craft, and third- and fourth-grade students were invited to be part of a book club.

“This truly is an example of collaborative community programming addressing the multiple needs in prekindergarten children and beyond and their families,” said Kathy Mock, United Way director of education and initiatives.

“We want to make sure we teach the importance of reading and the love of reading,” said Jim Stitt, Market Street principal.