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For the second time in her career, Bellwood-Antis High School library aide Mrs. Litz completed another successful year organizing Read Across America.

Read Across America is an event where any BAHS student may sign up to read a book to the Myers Elementary School students.

The process for the students is simple: signing up, getting a permission slip signed by their teachers, and reporting to the correct classroom to read.

“I enjoy reading because it gives me great joy to see the look on their faces when we read to them,” says senior Caroline Showalter.

On the other hand, planning this event behind-the-scenes can be strenuous.

“Organizing for Read Across America is time consuming, but so worth it,” says Mrs. Litz. “I’m only here four hours per day, so time is precious.”

First, Mrs. Litz must ensure that each reader has permission to participate. Next, she must form groups and assign the students to a specific classroom and time in coordination with the elementary school teacher’s schedules.

In addition, after this event is over, a lunch in the library is provided to all of the readers.

Even though there are some difficulties, there are countless rewards.

“I love seeing how excited some students are to read, and how some shy students are able to step out of their comfort zones to do it,” says Mrs. Litz. “It’s fun when the whole day flows well and the high school students come back to the library with stories about their experience.”

Along with reading, the library offers a week-long daily trivia contest for the high schools students to enter. The winner receives a gift card if their answer is correct and their name is drawn. The middle school students have a contest as well.

Thank you, Mrs. Litz, for all of your hard work and dedication that you provide to Bellwood-Antis High School.