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College Athletes Promote Tackling Illiteracy Program
October 3, 2022 -- “I always say that 2nd & 7 is a big deal,” said Charmaine Campbell, Principal at Parkmoor Elementary, after her second graders read the latest Hog Mollie’s book with student-athletes from two local colleges.
2nd & 7 is on a mission to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to the students of Columbus City Schools.
“Our goal is for every second-grader in Central Ohio, specifically in Columbus City Schools, to have a Hog Mollie book,” Executive Director of 2nd & 7, Amy Hoying. “We can’t foster these future leaders if they don’t have the books.”
Created by the 2nd & 7 team, The Hog Mollies are a group of friends working together to tackle the real-life challenges students face daily. In the latest book, The Hog Mollies and Ike and Ivey’s Ice Cream Shop, the friends witness disrespectful behavior and work together to respect the people and places around them.
“We talk about everything from healthy choices to good sportsmanship, anti-bullying, to kindness is contagious, to dreaming big,” said Hoying. “It’s good for the athletes, the role models, and it’s good for the kids too.”
The second-graders were joined by student-athletes from The Ohio State University’s Women’s Lacrosse Club and Ohio Dominican University’s Women’s Soccer team in a guided reading session. Afterward, students were paid a visit from their Hog Mollie friend and mascot, Duke.
“We want to spread the message that no matter what you want to do in your life, no matter where you want to go, and who you want to be, it starts with reading,” said Hoying.
2nd & 7 was founded in 1999 when Ohio State’s football players Ryan Miller, Mike Vrabel, and Luke Fickell discovered the importance of literacy in education. Inspired by the need, the student-athletes raised funds to purchase books for every second grader in seven Columbus City Schools. “That’s how 2nd & 7 got its name,” said Hoying.
The nonprofit is breaking ground on developing Columbus’ first free kids’ book bank. The book bank opens its doors for community members to donate their new and used books. At the same time, 2nd & 7 ensure those books reach the hands of the children and teachers across the Central Ohio area.
“What we’re doing isn’t replacing anything the teachers are already doing. Reading is not always fun for some kids, but if they have a role model reading with them it can spark that flame and inspire them, to work a little harder at reading.” Hoying added.
Learn more about 2nd & 7 and their mission to promote reading at secondandseven.com.