WEST HAVEN, Conn. – For 18 University of New Haven student-athletes Monday morning started out quite different as they spent the morning back in elementary school reading to K-2nd grade classrooms at Washington School as part of Read Across America.

The Read Across America program at Washington School was held in partnership with the United Way as a Day of Giving event. Prior to reading in the classrooms, the Chargers were welcomed by Washington Principal Twana Shirden and United Way of Greater New Haven President and CEO Jennifer Heath.

"It was an awesome experience," said men's basketball senior Adam Beaton. "The excitement as soon as we walked in the door was incredible. Being able to read and watch how interested the children were, to every word we said, was amazing. I look forward to seeing some of them become future Chargers."

The 18 New Haven student-athletes represented men's basketball, football, men's soccer, women's volleyball and women's soccer, while head women's basketball coach Debbie Buff led a group of six coaches and administrators who also had a chance to read in classrooms. Additionally, Charlie the Charger made his rounds around Washington School saying hi to all the students.

"It was wonderful spending time reading with very attentive and enthusiastic elementary children," said Buff. "Seeing so many of our student-athletes give back in our local community this morning was outstanding. Today's theme was kindness and it showed with our student-athletes, Principal Shirden, the United Way and all of those that made today such a great event."

Read Across America Day was created by the National Education Association in 1998 as a day to unite children across the country in a celebration of reading. Read Across America is a year-round program that focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

Today's event was part of the New Haven Department of Athletics' broader community engagement efforts, which seeks to help the surrounding towns and community organizations while providing opportunities for student-athletes and coaches to give back to the local communities.