Lancer reading program reaches thousands

In connection with the “Taking Charge: Reading with the Lancers” program sponsored by Benchmark Community Bank, Longwood student-athletes visited thousands of elementary school students in Virginia as part of the athletic department’s initiative to inspire local youth to read.

Through the reading initiative that spanned the fall and early spring, Longwood athletics and Benchmark partnered to teach 5,000 kindergarten to fifth-grade students about the importance of reading at schools throughout Prince Edward, Amelia, Nottoway and Lunenburg counties. Taking Charge treated children to in-class stories and special skits featuring Longwood student-athletes and the university’s mascot Elwood.

“Taking Charge: Reading with the Lancers is a great way for our student athletes to connect with local children to share the importance of reading,” said Longwood director of marketing Whitney Curtis. “Reaching over 5,000 students in the Heart of Virginia is a great accomplishment for us, and we look forward to getting more schools involved next year.”

In addition to the special presentation from student-athletes and Elwood, those who met their individual reading goals were guaranteed a ticket to attend a Longwood home basketball game during the 2015-16 season, which culminated with Benchmark sponsoring “Reading Day” at the final women’s basketball game that took place on March 5.

“Sponsorship of the Longwood Athletics reading program was a great opportunity for Benchmark to support an effort that closely aligns with its own priorities,” said Lucia Malon, vice president and director of marketing & public relations at Benchmark Community Bank. “The bank places a great emphasis on the importance of education, promoting good habits among our youth and initiatives that strengthen communities, all of which are embodied in this valuable program.”

 Benchmark, a financial institution integrally involved in each of the communities it serves in Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina, acted as sponsor for each of the Longwood Athletics visits to nine different schools. Those to receive a visit included Amelia County Elementary School, Blackstone Primary School, Burkeville Elementary School, Crewe Primary School, Eureka Elementary School, The Fuqua School, Kenbridge Elementary School, Prince Edward Country Elementary School and Victoria Elementary School.