May 16, 2025 — At Maize Elementary School, 52 fifth graders proved that turning pages can evolve into something powerful. What began as a simple idea to encourage literacy quickly transformed into a schoolwide celebration of reading, community, and achievement. 

Thanks to Speech-Language Pathologist Katie Spreen’s creativity and the unwavering enthusiasm of Maize Elementary’s fifth graders, the “Maize Rizz Readers” have officially read their way into the record books — and into the hearts of their teachers and peers. The name “Rizz Readers,” a playful nod to Gen Z slang, came with a cheeky tagline: “Turning Pages with Charm.”

“I wanted to create something that made reading exciting, social, and fun,” Spreen said. “We weren’t just trying to meet a number. We wanted students to discover a lifelong love for reading and cheer each other on along the way.”

With the support of the staff at Maize, Spreen created a plan that was equal parts literacy, incentive, and team spirit. To kick things off, the fifth graders visited the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s downtown branch in December. This wasn’t your ordinary off-site experience. It was a declaration in addition to an exploration.

“They walked into that building, and it felt like a museum,” Spreen said. “They were discovering things about their city, their access to resources, and about themselves. They were checking out books that reflected who they are—karate books, cooking books, whatever sparked their curiosity.”

The fifth grade classes set a remarkable goal to read 1,000 books in just four months. 

“When we introduced the challenge, some students were intimidated by the number 1,000,” Spreen said. “But we told them, ‘this isn’t something you’re doing alone. You’re part of a team.’”

The approach worked. The students met their goal the week before spring break, well ahead of schedule.

“They crushed it. They've met their goal,” Spreen said, beaming with pride. “I just love reading. I wanted to do something that would be joyful for me, for the kids, and would really make an impact.”

The reward for completing the challenge? A celebratory off-site experience to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), custom “Maize Rizz Readers” T-shirts, and plenty of community-building moments along the way. 

“The book challenge was fun,” said fifth grade Maize student Garima Biswakarma. “I liked it very much because we got to work and get a prize because we read so much. I feel good that we met our goal.”

Though Spreen is quick to credit her colleagues and the students themselves, those who know the project see it as a reflection of her heart, hope, and belief in young people. When reflecting on how everything turned out, she began to tear up.

“I’ll get emotional talking about it. I’m just so proud of them,” Spreen said.

The challenge, which began as a simple spark of inspiration, grew into an initiative that built confidence, camaraderie, and a love for reading.

“Maize’s goal is that every child is reading at grade level,” Spreen said. “District-wide, we want strong readers, but this was really more than that. It was about getting kids excited about reading, not because they had to, but because reading is amazing. If you can read, you can find any answer you want.”

Spreen, who has worked in Columbus City Schools (CCS) for five years and serves both Maize and North Linden elementary schools, typically spends her time helping students from preschool through fifth grade become better communicators. This year, her vision extended far beyond speech sessions.

“I work with all ages, and it’s always different,” she said. “That’s what I love about [my job]—supporting different kids in different ways, but I really wanted to do something that brings joy and builds connection.”

Fellow Maize Elementary therapists Allison Thompson, Brenda Garrett, Angela Galli, and Sheila Wisniewski discussed how they would collectively best describe her.

“Mrs. Spreen is an amazing team member,” Spreen’s colleagues said. “She is always willing to collaborate, problem solve, and jump in whenever additional help is needed. We love working with Mrs. Spreen and truly appreciate all that she brings to Maize Elementary.”

From shy preschoolers working on their first words to fifth graders preparing for the leap to middle school, Spreen’s mission is clear: empower students to communicate and connect, no matter the path they take.

“You don’t have to be perfect,” she said. “But you can be a confident communicator and that makes all the difference.”

At Maize Elementary, it certainly has. Take it from fifth grade student Ana Damasceno De Oliveira Barreto.

“Mrs. Spreen is the best reader in the world,” she said. “I haven't seen a better reader in my life. And when I read books before, I didn't feel like they were for me, but now I do because of her. She is a really nice person, and I love her.”

The future looks bright for students at Maize Elementary School.

“[Spreen] got my fifth graders not only reading but encouraging each other to read,” Principal Tiffany Genton said. “Before and after school, students were observed informally giving each other book talks. Mrs. Spreen created a culture within the students that will impact them well beyond Maize.”

Join CCS in celebrating National Speech-Language Pathologist Day on May 18, 2025.