What a special day for our young Wildcats!
Malcolm Mitchell, former Valdosta High School Wildcat, University of Georgia football player, and New England Patriots wide receiver, came back home to share a message with every second grade student in Valdosta City Schools that went far beyond football.
Malcolm told students that although he loved playing football more than anything else in the world, along the way he discovered something even more important: being a reader.
Through his story, a read-aloud, and plenty of fun and encouragement, Malcolm challenged our students to read. Every second grader received a copy of his new book, My Super Duper Me, to take home and continue that excitement for reading.
We also celebrated some of our outstanding readers! The top readers in second grade received their own customized jerseys and a special moment on stage with Malcolm, while top readers from other grade levels were invited to a VIP Meet & Greet following the event.
We are incredibly grateful to the community partners who helped make this experience possible:
SGMC Health
North Valdosta Rotary Club
Harley Langdale Jr. Foundation
The Shaw Family
Valdosta City Schools Foundation
Firm Foundation Custom Construction
And we are already looking ahead! Our hope is to grow this literacy initiative next year and expand opportunities to include our middle school students.
If you or your organization would like to partner with Valdosta City Schools as we continue working to strengthen literacy and create meaningful reading experiences for our students, please contact Dr. Kendal Crawford at [kendal.crawford@gocats.org] or 229-671-6003.
Thank you, Malcolm, for coming home to the V, sharing your story, and reminding the next generation of Wildcats just how powerful a reader can become.
When Wildcats READ, Wildcats SUCCEED!
