Each week, members of the Herndon High School boys basketball team visit Herndon Elementary School as part of the Readers Are Leaders initiative. This program aims to improve literacy and foster relationships between older and younger students.
Readers Are Leaders was started by educator and coach Wendell Byrd, who wanted to combine literacy development with mentorship opportunities for high school athletes. Byrd spent over 30 years teaching elementary students and coaching high school sports, envisioning a way for both age groups to benefit from meaningful connections.
The program began in January and will continue through the end of the school year. High school players meet their assigned elementary reading partners weekly. During these sessions, pairs read together, discuss stories, or simply talk.
Younger students are able to build reading skills and self-confidence through regular practice. At the same time, older students develop leadership and communication abilities as they act as mentors.
“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.”
Fourth grader Jonathan described his bond with Cam: “I want him to graduate and live close so he can keep visiting me and we can read together,” Jonathan said.
Averi, another junior participant, explained that his own experience being mentored inspired him to join: “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.”
First grader Eoghan shared his excitement about meeting with Averi each week: “I like to read with him, and he might play basketball with me,” Eoghan said. “I hope we can play video games one day.”
Dylan, a sixth grader participating in the program, stated that his goal was academic: he joined “to learn to read better to pass my SOL.” His mentor Isiah is a senior at Herndon High School who sees value in giving back: “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.”
The partnership is organized by counselors Tiffany Bryant, Brian Falkey, Karsyn Boyer from Herndon Elementary School along with Austin Hamilton, head coach of Herndon High’s boys varsity basketball team.
Mentorship programs such as Readers Are Leaders show how peer support can encourage younger students while helping older ones build responsibility and community engagement.
Several schools across Fairfax County Public Schools offer similar mentorship programs; families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact their local school counselor.
The initiative aligns with Goal 2 of Fairfax County Public Schools’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes creating environments where students feel safe, supported, included, and empowered.
