When the Lebanon Valley College football team took the field for pre-game warmups during their Centennial-MAC Bowl game, there were two special young guests anxiously waiting to greet the players. Gavin and Christian, students from Henry Houck Elementary School in Lebanon, were there to see their heroes in action.

Gavin and Christian were specifically looking for a group of seven football players who were frequent visitors to their elementary school throughout the fall season to read and visit with students, despite their busy schedules of classes and football.

The strongest connection developed between Gavin and senior defensive back Tim Convery. Usually quiet in the classroom, Gavin now excitedly tells everyone about his friend Tim and how many more days until his next visit to school.

"Gavin and I connected the first time that I read with him," said Convery. "The other students I was reading with had to go to lunch and it just left us alone. We really connected about pets. He has a dog, cats, and turtles. I grew up having the same pets, so it was easy to build a connection that way. I also happen to have turtles at my house at LVC, so I showed him some pictures and videos of them."

"It was great to see him at the game and how happy he was, especially being able to throw the ball to us during warmups. That is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Gavin," added Convery, who is finishing his degree in criminal justice. 

The relationship between the LVC football players and the elementary school stemmed from Bill Giovino (Coach G), LVC assistant football coach and principal at Lebanon High School. His wife, Mary Garrett-Giovino, is a teacher at Henry Houck and first welcomed student-athletes into the classroom six years ago. 

"Coach G asked at practice one day if anyone was interested, and I chose to get involved because it sounded like a lot of fun," said Matt Taskowitz, a sophomore wide receiver and exercise science major. Though I can't lie, the primary factor was hearing how happy the kids get when you read the books to them. Remembering my elementary school days and how fun I found the reading circles, it was almost a no-brainer."

First-year tight end Will Ryan said, "This was an excellent opportunity because I wanted to give back to the community. Playing a college sport and being eligible to be at this institution is truly a blessing for myself and my family, so I was looking for any way to help kids and inspire them to pursue their dreams."

Along with reading to the elementary students, the LVC players ask the students about school, their interests, and answer lots of questions about football and anything else the students ask.

"My favorite thing about spending time with the kids was watching them open and express their true personalities. When I started reading to them, they were a little shy and unsure, as I expected them to be. After a while, they began to become more confident. In fact, they would read the books to me! That was an incredible thing to see because, in my eyes, it meant I had reached them on a personal level, and they felt comfortable around me," said Ryan.

Taskowitz echoed Ryan's experience. 

"When it comes to my favorite things about spending time with the kids, a few things stood out. First was their excitement at me being there in general. They kept asking endless questions and seemed so genuinely interested, I don't think there was a moment where I didn't have a smile on my face. Another favorite thing was knowing that reading with these kids is helping them in their learning process. I'm not pursuing teaching, but the thought of contributing to future generations in the community is great."
 
The student-athletes look forward to remaining involved with the elementary students in future semesters and appreciate the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved to make this a rewarding experience.