“Bee” a lifelong reader

R.J. Vial and the Hornets team up for literacy event

Honeybees took over at R.J. Vial Elementary on Jan. 25 in an effort to promote literacy.

Five New Orleans Hornets Honeybee dancers and the mascot, Hugo, visited the school with the Hornets Book Mobile to give a free book to every 3rd-6th grade student.

About 360 students attended the event, received a book that was signed by the Honeybees and Hugo, and enjoyed a performance by the dance team.

The event was made possible by Principal Jackie Sperier working with the Hornets through one of her former students, Honeybee Krista.

Krista was a student of Sperier’s before Sperier became principal.

Krista visited Sperier a few months ago to get some advice on becoming a teacher. After they reconnected, they worked together to make this event happen for the students at R.J. Vial.

“It took a lot of time and a lot of conversations…but working together, we were able to pull off this event,” Sperier said.

Each Honeybee dancer spoke to the students about why reading is important in their life, whether it be getting a degree or starting their own business.

“I loved to read in school…you have to read so you can achieve your dreams,” said Honeybee Holly.

Honeybee Jennifer told the students that no matter what they do, they will need to be able to read well. Sperier agreed, telling the students that even if they want to study science or math, you have to know how to read to succeed.

R.J. Vial mascots, Bailey Melancon and Logan McDonald, both 12, joined Hugo to help pump up the crowd during the event.

Melancon said she thought it was a great event and that many of her classmates would be motivated to read more.

Sperier said that the students were very excited to have the Hornets dancers and mascot at school, but she was particularly touched by one 4th grade student’s assertion that this was “the best day of my life.”

“It was really touching to know that he was so inspired,” Sperier said. “That one comment makes it all worth it.”

Sperier emphasizes literacy on a daily basis at the school because she says it is the key to success.

“The more literate children are, the more potential they have for success,” she said. “In everything that you do you have to be able to read and write so we’re trying to make our kids realize that and also increase their love of reading and passion because we know the more they enjoy it, the more they’re going to want to do it.”