Lenape Valley HS football players read to local elementary students in annual tradition
Lenape Valley High School’s football players have been bringing more than just their athletic talents to the community.
For nearly 15 years, Lenape Valley football players have participated in a cherished tradition of reading to local elementary school students. This initiative was started by former Lenape Valley High School Football Coach Don Smolyn.
Players are selected to participate based on their academic performance, and they are sent to the elementary schools they once attended.
“This is a great tradition,” said Douglas Reynolds, Principal of Lenape Valley Regional High School. “Our players really enjoy reading to the elementary students, and they also love returning to see the teachers they had when they were younger. It has been a fantastic way to work with our sending districts and showcase the positive things we’re doing at the high school.”
Senior football player Trey Moodie, who wore jersey #20, echoed the sentiment. “It was a great experience, not just for me, but for the younger kids to see older students they might look up to. It’s always fun interacting with the elementary kids and seeing them excited about reading.”
Byram Lakes Elementary School Principal Pete Morris shared his enthusiasm for the annual visit. “We love this tradition! It gives our young readers a chance to share a book with a role model and helps build a sense of community and a shared love of reading. Many of our teachers remember when these football players were in elementary school themselves and look forward to seeing them come back in a new role. We’re just not always prepared for how tall they’ve gotten!”
The players visited elementary schools in Netcong Borough, Byram Township, and Stanhope Borough.
This year, the following Lenape Valley football players participated in the tradition of reading to elementary students: Trey Moodie, Kyle Scheel, Tanner Gaboda, Chris Zander, Daniel Santana, Jakob Bell, Jack Kopich, Hollis Hofer, Jack Phelps, Michael Sweizer, Joey Lengal, Kevin Giusti, Chase De Oliveira, Ayden Rosario, Chase Grant, Ben Sumski, Tom Crispino, Tyler Brennen, Adan Lumani, Jameson Kenny, Colby Van Tuyl, Anthony Quinn, and Matt Akerman.
