Hull High School Girls Basketball Team Promotes Literacy Through Pirate Readers Program

Hull High School student Fallon Ryan reads to a Jacobs Elementary School student. (Photo Courtesy Hull Public Schools)

HULL — Superintendent Judith Kuehn and Hull High School Principal Michael Knybel are pleased to share that the Hull High School Girls Basketball Team has spearheaded a new initiative, the Pirate Readers Program, to read to and play basketball with students at the Jacobs Elementary School.

As a part of the #OneTeamOneFamily initiative, the Hull High School Girls JV and Varsity Basketball players have been promoting literacy and connectivity through the new program.

The Pirate Readers Program launched on Jan. 8. Each week, high school students read with elementary students on Monday and play basketball with them on Wednesday. The team rotates between grades K-5, and 5-6 players visit Jacobs each week.

Players involved in the program include seniors Maeve Mulvihill, Emily Punchard and Bailey Her; juniors Fallon Ryan, Margot Harper and Monica Delguidice; sophomore Erin Walsh; and freshmen Libby Harper, Chloe Hutcheson, Riley Munn and Georgia White. 

Ryan, a junior captain, has quickly recognized the value of this program for both the Jacobs students and the basketball team. She has expressed that she likes spending time with the elementary students and that “it’s a rewarding experience because they look up to us."

JV Coach Jon Hawes, who is also a teacher at Jacobs Elementary, helps to facilitate the Pirate Readers Program.

"This has been an extremely successful endeavor on all fronts, and everyone is having a blast getting to know one another," Hawes said. "The high school students are amazing role models and are making a huge impact on Hull’s youth and the future of the basketball program."

Hull High School student Chloe Hutcheson reads to Jacobs Elementary student Kane Hagerty. (Photo Courtesy Hull Public Schools)

As a part of their #OneTeamOneFamily initiative, the Hull High School Girls Basketball program is promoting literacy and connectivity through the Pirate Readers Program. (Photo Courtesy Hull Public Schools)

Members of the Hull High School Girls Basketball team play with Jacobs Elementary School students. (Photo Courtesy Hull Public Schools)