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Photos by Fritz Rethage -- Posted October 21, 2003
New Jersey Nets     UnOfficial HH Library Web-Site     Official HH Library Web-Site

NJ Nets take on
Heights Third Graders

mpg Movies [Reading with children] 300k   [Read to achieve w/cheer] 500k

[Go to second group]

NJ Nets superstars took on Hasbrouck Heights third graders from Corpus Christi, Euclid and Lincoln Schools at the Free Public Library  (Division Ave.) on Monday morning, October 20, 2003.

Reading won!

Nets players Jason Collins, Richard Jefferson, Jason Kidd, Alonzo Mourning with Head Coach Byron Scott, assisted by cheerleaders and mascot "Sly", read a book to the children during filming of "Read to Achieve" public service announcements. The children were set-up into four groups, positioned and prompted on behavior, so while the Net player read, camera crews taped the action.

"Read to Achieve"  is an on-going NBA & Nets program that promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children.

A second film crew from the YES network conducted player interviews, and also taped the Net players reading to the children.

Welcoming the Nets to Hasbrouck Heights was Mayor William J. Torre, Library Director Michele Reutty, Recreation Director Robert Brady, School Superintendent Joseph C. Loungo, school principals, teachers and parents.
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NJ Nets Press Release
as posted on New Jersey Nets website October 22, 2003

On Monday, October 20th, the New Jersey Nets, led by Head Coach Byron Scott, and Nets players Jason Kidd, Alonzo Mourning, Richard Jefferson, and Jason Collins joined Nets mascot Sly and Power N’ Motion members at the Hasbrouck Heights Public Library with over 150 third graders from the Hasbrouck Heights School District to kick-off the NBA’s Read to Achieve program.

Children had the opportunity to listen to their favorite players read as well as the chance to show off their skills and read to them. At the end of the event, everyone recited the Read To Achieve Pledge together.

A Nets book bag filled with goodies and Scholastic books was given to each child in an effort to promote the importance of education. “By giving each child a book, we try to expand their horizons and encourage children to succeed in school and in life,” said Head Coach Byron Scott.

The NBA’s Read to Achieve campaign is a year-round national program designed to help young people develop a life-long love for reading and encourage adults to read and talk with children regularly. Reaching an estimated 50 million children a year, Read to Achieve is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports.
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Members of the NJ Nets and HH Library Staff welcome the children.


NJ Nets super stars and cheerleaders read to the children.


Jason Collins


Richard Jefferson


Jason Kidd with some help from Nets mascot "Sly"








(l)  Alonzo Mourning with (r) Head Coach Byron Scott


[Go to second group]

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