HBCU Stars Shine in Read with MEAC Literacy Challenge

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the premier NCAA Division I athletic conference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has once again brought the power of reading and education to its local communities through the 18th Annual Read with MEac initiative.

In partnership with the Norfolk, Virginia public school system and generous corporate sponsors TowneBank and Dominion Energy, this year's Read with MEac competition celebrated the academic excellence and literary talents of elementary and middle school students across the MEAC footprint.

Expanding Minds, Empowering HBCU Pride

The Read with MEac program is more than just a reading contest - it's a powerful initiative that connects HBCU student-athletes, coaches, and administrators directly with the next generation of young scholars. By visiting local classrooms, hosting reading events, and rewarding top performers, the MEAC is instilling a love of learning and a sense of HBCU pride in impressionable minds.

"As HBCUs, we have a responsibility to uplift and inspire the youth in our communities," said Dr. Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. "The Read with MEac challenge does just that, harnessing the star power of our student-athletes to motivate these young readers and celebrate their achievements."

Standout Performances from HBCU Stars

This year's Read with MEac competition was fiercer than ever, with hundreds of students from across Norfolk Public Schools competing to become their grade-level champions. In the end, several standout performers emerged, including:

• 4th Grader Amari Jones of Ruffner Academy, who logged an incredible 1,245 pages read - the most of any elementary school participant.
• 6th Grader Jada Williams of Granby Middle School, who captivated judges with her book reviews and passion for reading.
• 8th Grader Tyrone Bates of Booker T.
  
  
  
  Washington Middle School, whose dedication to his studies and community service projects impressed the MEAC committee.

These young scholars were honored at a special Read with MEac awards ceremony, where they received prizes and accolades presented by MEAC student-athletes and coaches. The energy and enthusiasm in the room was palpable, as the students beamed with pride to be recognized by their HBCU role models.

"Seeing the joy and inspiration on these kids' faces is what makes the Read with MEac program so special. They look up to our HBCU athletes as heroes, and this gives them tangible examples of academic excellence to aspire to."

HBCUConnect's Take: Investing in the Next Generation of HBCU Supporters

The Read with MEac literacy challenge is a perfect embodiment of the HBCU community's commitment to uplifting young minds and cultivating the next generation of leaders. By connecting students directly with positive HBCU role models, this program instills a sense of pride, ambition, and academic focus that can pay dividends for years to come.

HBCUConnect applauds the MEAC, its member schools, and corporate partners for their continued investment in youth development and educational attainment. As the premier online hub for the HBCU community, we know firsthand the impact that mentorship, literacy, and academic achievement can have on empowering the next generation of HBCU scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

Originally reported by MEAC Sports.