On July 11, 2025, an engaging reading event took place at Leopold Elementary School. The University of Wisconsin Football wide receivers and coaches joined students for a special session in partnership with Madison Reading Project, Inc. and UW Athletics. This initiative was part of the Badgers’ Week of Service.
The event aimed to support MMSD’s Mad for Reading initiative by inspiring young readers. A first-grade student expressed excitement upon discovering a football-themed book, drawing the attention of Badger Football player Vinny Anthony II, who invited him to read together.
The school’s playground transformed into an outdoor library where slides became seats and jungle gyms turned into reading nooks. Student-athletes read aloud with children, handing out free books to encourage literacy among students.
“Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they want to read with someone they can look up to is so great,” said Badger wide receiver Tyrell Henry. “You can see how happy they are to read, and getting to be someone they can look up to is the best part for me.”
The interaction provided learning opportunities for both groups. Two students brought a Spanish book to the wide receivers, prompting one athlete who wasn’t fluent in Spanish to engage in reading it together.
A variety of books were shared during the event, from popular titles like “Paw Patrol,” “Bluey,” and “Captain Underpants” to themes including sports and mermaids. This collaboration between MMSD students and Badger athletes fostered a love for reading that resonated well with participants.
