HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 9, 2022 – Students at local elementary schools received new books from High Point University freshmen, who collected more than 1,000 copies of their favorite books for children this semester.

HPU’s Stout School of Education Fellows delivered the donated books on Nov. 3 to children at three local elementary schools – Montlieu Academy of Technology, Fairview Elementary and Johnson Street Global Studies.

Each year, new students are asked to share a favorite childhood book during HPU’s Welcome Week at the start of the fall semester. Having education majors participate in the book delivery is one activity that connects HPU students to the local community. Fellows were able to read with fourth- and fifth-grade scholars as the books were delivered at Montlieu Academy of Technology.

“I wanted to share the love that I had either listening to someone read to me or reading once I got to the age of reading by myself—those memories will be in my head forever,” said Diana Barravecchio, an elementary education major from Monroe Township, New Jersey. “To share that with the new generation is amazing. I loved the whole idea of donating one of my favorite childhood books to these kids coming up.”

Rosemarie Tarara, instructor of educator preparation and director of Education Fellows in HPU’s Stout School of Education, noted each school gets to decide whether to use the books in school libraries, classrooms or give them directly to students for their home collection.

“This is such a great tradition,” said Tarara. “It’s the first time first-year students get to go into the schools to meet students and share what they remember of the books. Spreading the love of reading and encouraging children to read is just so important.”

Megan Putnam, assistant principal at Montlieu Academy of Technology, expressed appreciation on behalf of students, parents and staff, to the HPU Education Fellows for donating books.

“Just know you picked this profession for a reason although there may be days you wonder why,” said Putnam. “Just know that it has great rewards and keep pushing through. You’re going to have a great impact on this world by choosing this profession.”

Seeing all the donated books brought memories for Anna DeBiasi, a middle grades education major from Wilmington, North Carolina.

“I feel like I’m sharing a piece of my childhood with them,” said DeBiasi. “They can grow up and hopefully do the same to make a difference in the world.”

This is the seventh year new students have collected and delivered books to local schools.

Photos: 1) High Point University’s Stout School of Education Fellows delivered new books donated by HPU freshmen to Montlieu Academy of Technology and two other local elementary schools. HPU freshmen education majors are pictured holding a few of the books with Montlieu students and Assistant Principal Megan Putnam, seated third from left. 2) Antonella Mendoza, a fourth-grade student at Montlieu Academy of Technology, reacts as she reads with HPU Stout School of Education Fellow Emma Lagana of Rockland County, New York. 3) HPU Stout School of Education Fellow Camilla Wirick, left, and Katie Gleason, center, share a “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” chapter book with Blake Ruger, a Montlieu Academy of Technology student.