For the past six years, University of Hawai`i Hilo student-athletes have taken Dr. Seuss books to elementary schools around East Hawai`i and read to students.on national Read Across America Day.

Due to the pandemic, that was physically impossible this year, but the Vulcans still did their best to make Dr. Seuss virtual.

UHH student-athletes made specific videos for six different schools---Waiakeawaena Elementary, Ka'umana Elementary, Kalanianaole Elementary, Hilo Union Elementary, Keaukaha Elementary, Ha'aheo Elementary, and Waiakea Elementary. The videos were sent to the principals of each school, who then distributed them to teachers and classrooms. 

Over the past five years prior to 2021, Vulcan student-athletes have read to over 10,000 keiki in person on the east side of the Big Island. Now they can add virtual readings to those totals.

"Thank you to our student-athletes and coaches for their continued support of our local keiki and schools," said UH Hilo athletic director Patrick Guillen. "Even though we had to adjust our approach this year, I am happy to say that this is always one of my favorite days of the year. This has grown from reading to 1,800 children our first year in 2016 to almost 2,700 last year.  It's a big part of who we are in reaching out and connecting with our local youth and the community. Despite the pandemic, it just wasn't an option to not continue this tradition for our keiki."

Vulcan men's assistant basketball coach Steve Kinder filmed and produced the student-athlete videos.

Here is a sample of a video, featuring Vulcan basketball player Darren Williams.

https://youtu.be/1SYcniJUyos