The Future Business Leaders of America Chapter at New Manchester High School recently brought smiles, stories, and a whole lot of excitement to young readers at Mount Carmel Elementary School and New Manchester Elementary School during their Literacy Leaders Character Day celebrations.
The event marked the conclusion of a five-month community service initiative focused on strengthening early literacy and building meaningful connections between high school leaders and elementary students.
Throughout the project, FBLA members visited Mount Carmel Elementary before school to read with students and supported New Manchester Elementary students during lunch reading sessions, creating consistent opportunities for encouragement, mentorship and engagement with books.
“This project was so exciting for us,” shared New Manchester High School FBLA President Yasira Cooper. “I knew their little faces would light up when they saw the characters, and that was exactly what happened. Our goal was to get them excited about reading—and I really think we accomplished that.”
Through fun, themed reading activities and positive role modeling, FBLA students helped promote reading confidence, spark curiosity and reinforce the joy of learning for younger students. The Literacy Leaders initiative also provided FBLA members with valuable leadership experience while strengthening partnerships within the New Manchester community.
The Jaguars plan to expand the Literacy Leaders program next school year by reaching additional elementary schools and incorporating more data-driven strategies to further support early literacy and student growth.
Members will present their Literacy Leaders service project at the FBLA State Leadership Conference in March and hope to advance to the FBLA National Leadership Conference, showcasing their service, leadership and community impact on a national stage.
The Literacy Leaders initiative left a lasting impression at New Manchester Elementary School, where excitement for reading was on full display during the school’s Sight Word Kings and Queens celebration. Each month, students who reach their goals earn special recognition, reinforcing confidence, perseverance and a love for learning.
Principal Tanyia Clagette expressed sincere gratitude for the partnership with New Manchester High School.
“The most recent celebration was extra special as New Manchester High School’s FBLA chapter partnered with the elementary school to help honor our kindergarten Sight Word Kings and Queens,” said Clagette. “FBLA members assisted with the celebration, creating a memorable experience for our youngest learners and strengthening the connection between our elementary and high school communities.”
The celebrations have become a highly anticipated event for students, staff, and families, highlighting the importance of literacy growth at an early age.