WS Chronicle

BY TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE 

While many of the buildings and classrooms on the campus of Wake Forest University (WFU) were vacant last weekend, early Saturday morning more than 150 college students switched rolls and became the professor inside the Benson University Hall during the eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Read-In Program.

With help from HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, a nonprofit that finds volunteers for organizations, the students from Wake, Salem College, and Winston-Salem State University were paired with a child and became their buddy for a day. Along with reading books to children from local elementary schools, the volunteers also guided their newfound friends through various stations that included activities like face painting, opportunities to play musical instruments, a food station and countless others.  There was also a station where children played “Jeopardy” for candy and other prizes.

WFU senior communications major Sydni Williams, who volunteered for the first time, said she was amazed at all the event had to offer. She said she came in expecting the average read-in but got a lot more.

“It has been amazing spending time with the children and introducing them to things like healthy eating, and financial wellness.” Williams said.

WSSU junior Josh McMurrin said he decided to volunteer for the event because he loves children and loves to spread knowledge.

“Although we were only together for a few hours, it feels good to know that I’m helping the next generation learn about King’s legacy,” said McMurrin. “Here today we have people of all races together learning. This is exactly what Dr. King dreamed about.”

Even though they had to split from their reading buddy just after noon, the children didn’t leave the campus empty handed. According to Amy Lyte, executive director of HandsOn, each child took home two books, one of their own choosing and another on the Civil Rights Movement.