In all, nearly 100 student-athletes and club members volunteered their time to support literacy and model good reading habits for the littlest Lions during the event held Oct. 22 on the high school football field.

Each group selected a children’s book and designed a themed station with a follow-up activity for families to enjoy.

“Despite the frigid temperature, the warmth I felt reading with the kids was special and personal,” said junior Makenna Herman, reflecting on the experience. “Their excitement about a book they’d never read before reminds me of the wonder I feel when reading.”

Junior and Drama Club Vice President Libby Feathers also noted the unique spirit of collaboration, saying, “It was amazing to see all the different clubs join together for the community. Seeing younger students have a great time, despite the cold, was an awesome sight. It brought a lot of joy to all of us.”

Drama Cub Members Grady McDonald, Jenna Damjanovich and Libby Feathers await the start of the event at their station. Courtesy photo

Senior football player Garrett Hubbard appreciated the opportunity to connect with younger students as well.

“It was a great experience,” Hubbard said. “It felt good to interact with kids from my community and spread the joy of reading and football. I felt the event went really well, we had a good turnout, and the kids really enjoyed their time. Overall, it was a really cool event.”

Drama Club leadership played a visible role throughout the evening.

Drama Club President Lillian Dishong helped run the check-in table alongside Stacey Herncane, middle school librarian, greeting families as they arrived. Meanwhile, Drama Club Attendance Officer Devin Croner delighted children by dressing up as a giant taco on behalf of the Drama Club — an appearance that became one of the highlights of the night for Jonah Claar, a second grader. Many young attendees enjoyed participating in the various literacy activities under the stadium lights.

The event drew strong participation from local families, with a steady stream of children visiting each literacy station throughout the evening. One young participant, pre-k student Lily Claar, said, “There were so many different books to listen to and things to do. I got a Clifford book to take home.”

Lion Football Player, #55 Kolby Miller, #72 Kaden Imler, #59 Owen Miller, #11 Cade Emerick, #70 Caden Hinson, #8 Garrett Weyandt, #2 Garrett Hubbard, #14 Marcus Weaver, and #18 Logan Pletcher Pose for a photo before their sessions began. Courtesy photos

Children also had the opportunity to visit with Paw Zone therapy dogs, which was a crowd favorite. Concessions were provided by the CR Music Boosters, Boujee Bean Coffee and Jenny’s Sweet Treats.

All children ages 12 and younger received a free book, made possible through the generosity of event sponsors: Lions Den Cafe, Creative Pultrusians, the Chestnut Ridge Educational Foundation and the Harry Zeznanski Memorial Foundation.

To capture the spirit of the evening, drone footage of the event was filmed by Drama Club Treasurer Addison Hillegass. The club looks forward to sharing this footage with the community to further celebrate the joy of reading and the success of the event.

“I’m super proud of all of our high school students,” said Principal Eric Zeznanski, praising the students’ efforts. “They gave up an evening to read and interact with the elementary students. They did a great job inspiring the next generation.”

Drama Club Advisors Jonathan Kirk and Lauren Zeznanski said the coaches, student volunteers and club advisors helped make the first Lion Tales Under the Lights a success, and they are looking forward to hosting the event again next September.