Oswego County TodayMexico Football Takes Literacy Under the Lights

The Mexico community came together Wednesday evening for the 1st Annual Literacy Under the Lights, a new school-wide event designed to celebrate the joy of reading and bring students together through the power of books.

Organized by Mexico teachers Coach Gagnon and Mrs. Gagnon, the event combined two things they are passionate about — football and literacy. Mexico football players traded their helmets and pads for storybooks as they spent the evening reading to elementary students under the lights, creating a fun and memorable experience centered around reading.

The evening was truly a school-wide celebration. Members of the Mexico Middle School Student Leadership program volunteered their time to help make the event special, welcoming families and handing out hot cocoa, popcorn and goodie bags to the young attendees.

One of the highlights of the evening was that every elementary student had the opportunity to choose a book to take home, giving them something special to continue enjoying long after the event ended. The Mexico Public Library was also on hand, helping connect students and families with even more opportunities and resources to encourage reading in the community.

For the young students, having Mexico football players sit down and read with them offered a unique opportunity to see their school’s athletes in a different role — as readers, role models and members of their school community.

Literacy Under the Lights was a wonderful example of what can happen when different parts of a school community come together with a shared goal. From the football field to the classroom, the library and beyond, the evening celebrated reading, leadership, school spirit and community — while creating memories that students are sure to carry with them.

If the enthusiasm of this first event is any indication, Literacy Under the Lights has the potential to become a much-loved Mexico tradition for years to come.