Two dozen Prince Hall Elementary School students took a pledge on Wednesday to prioritize reading over their favorite television shows and video games at the request of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin.

The pro athlete agreed to return to the school in the city’s Olney section for a visit, but only if students made a commitment to 22 minutes of daily reading — or “do the twenty-two [22],” which is his jersey number.

Boykin told the second-grade pupils he was a lot like them when he was their age, and reading is a necessity on any job and many personal pursuits.

“I still learn every day,” Boykin said. “You’re never too old to learn.”

He became a high-profile ambassador for the ‘READ! By 4th” initiative announced this week as part of the Eagles Youth Partnership at Prince Hall Elementary School. The program will eventually expand to other Philadelphia public schools, organizers said.

The reading initiative is intended to boost daily reading by students in kindergarten through third grade so they can master reading or make improvements, officials said at a press conference.

The Eagles Youth Partnership in general has been considered an honor for the school and the community at-large. Home & School Council President Leslie Bostic commended the partnership for an effort involving more than 50 city government offices, nonprofits and the public-private sector.

“It’s a great idea because our children look up to the Eagles,” she said, adding the program would work well in conjunction with other activities, including the 100 Book Challenge and book fairs. “Kids need something to look forward to and someone to look up to.”

Sarah Martinez Helfman, executive director of the Eagles Youth Partnership, asked the students to run in place — a standard workout drill for Eagles’ players — and then focus on the sensation in their leg muscles.

“We have a muscle up here too,” Helfman said, lightly tapping her temple. “And we have to exercise it all the time.

“The best way to exercise it is to read,” she added, pausing long enough for a student to finish the sentence before she did.

Many Prince Hall students remember the Eagles Youth Partnership for its support in building a playground at the school in April.

Donna Cooper, executive director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth, said it was important to help students read on or above their grade level by fourth grade.

“The stronger you start fourth-grade, the stronger you finish 12th grade,” Cooper said.

She built excitement among the pupils by asking them if they enjoyed reading books and watching Eagles football games.

“Well, today we’re going to marry reading and the Eagles,” she said moments before Boykin was invited to the podium in the school library.

Boykin said he would return to the school but only if students agreed to “do the 22.” If they failed to hold up their end of the bargain, he joked he would come back and tackle them.

“Do you want to be tackled by me?” he asked.

Boykin also encouraged parents to support daily reading for their children. He told students he spends time every day reading with his fiancee. They put their cell phones and devices aside to tell each other about their day and read, he said, adding the daily routine helps build their communication skills.

The Philadelphia Tribune – October 17, 2014 – Read article online