There’s something powerful about watching students become leaders—not because they’re asked to, but because they’re ready.
Recently, Firewall high school students from both Coconut Creek High and Lauderhill 6-12 STEM-MED Magnet School visited local elementary schools to participate in Read for the Record, a nationwide literacy initiative organized by Jumpstart for Young Children. The event brings communities together to celebrate early literacy by having adults and older students read the same book to children across the country on the same day.
For our students, the experience became more than just a reading event. Walking into classrooms filled with eager elementary students, our high schoolers quickly stepped into the role of mentors and role models. They read with enthusiasm, asked thoughtful questions, and encouraged participation, turning a simple story time into a meaningful connection between older and younger learners.
For the elementary students, seeing older peers excited about books made reading feel both important and fun. For our high school students, the experience was equally impactful as they demonstrated leadership, patience, and empathy while recognizing the positive influence they can have on younger students.
Events like Read for the Record remind us that literacy is about more than books—it’s about connection, confidence, and community. When students lead, everyone grows.