(Joni Fowler/W1974 Collective Photo)
For over 25 years the National Education Association’s National Read Across America Day has encouraged people of all ages to read a book.
The day was established by the NEA in 1998 to help get students excited about reading. The day occurs each year on the birthday of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss and students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation come together to read books.
Often schools have celebrity readers, especially for younger students, to help inspire them to read more.
The W1974 NIL Collective (https://www.w1974.com) was formed to help provide name, image and likeness opportunities for University of Kentucky female student-athletes. The mission is to “empower female athletes by harnessing the potential of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.”
The “W1974 Collective” pays tribute to 1974 when the university made a landmark decision to officially support women’s sports teams, setting the stage for a legacy of excellence.
On Wednesday, The W1974 Collective brought UK athletes to Anne Mason Elementary in Georgetown.
All-American gymnast Isabella Magnelli, a top 10 performer in two events nationally, spent an hour with the students before volleyball All-American Brooklyn DeLeye, one of the four finalists for national player of the year in 2024, took over.
Gymnasts Hailey Davis and Makenzie Wilson both spent an hour Wednesday afternoon reading to students and today volleyball players Brooke Bultema and Asia Thigpen along with gymnasts Annie Riegert and Skylar Killough-Wilhelm were scheduled to be at the elementary school.
Deleye said it was an easy choice to be part of the reading program.
“I think just giving back and showing the kids about a future in athletics and being good studious kids so they can have a great future,” DeLeye said
She also appreciates the opportunities The W1974 Collective is giving athletes like her.
“I think it is just a really cool opportunity where you are getting a little bit (of money) to come here but you also want to do it,” DeLeye said. “Reading to connect with other people and just kids in general is great.”
