Crimson, Rochester Christian University’s mascot, encouraged literacy as he read to elementary school students in Oakland County in March to celebrate National Reading Month.
Crimson with McGregor Elementary second graders.
Crimson started his journey at Brooklands Elementary School in Rochester Hills, where he read to the fifth grade class of Johnny Pleasant ‘03. Pleasant has taught at Brooklands Elementary since graduating from Rochester Christian University.
Crimson at Brooklands Elementary.
Crimson then went to McGregor Elementary in Rochester to read alongside Dr. Naomi Walters ‘07, chair of the Department of Theology and Ministry. Walters serves on Rochester Community Schools’ Authors in April board, which brings various children’s authors to schools to inspire children to read.
Dr. Naomi Walters and Crimson read to McGregor Elementary first graders.
Crimson read “If You Give a Mouse A Cookie” to Rachel Bliss’ kindergarten class at Hamlin Elementary in Rochester Hills. Bliss ‘22, is in her second year of teaching at Hamlin Elementary.
Crimson pictured with Rachel Bliss’ kindergarten class at Hamlin Elementary.
Crimson returned to Hampton Elementary for a second time, and he shared a love of reading with kindergarten, first grade, second and fourth grade students. He paid a visit to the fourth grade class of Elizabeth Peterson ‘06, who was among the first group of teachers to welcome Crimson when the RCU Reading Program began in 2023.
Crimson with Hampton Elementary second graders.
Crimson strikes a pose with Elizabeth Peterson’s ‘06 fourth grade class at Hampton Elementary.
Crimson then traveled to Peace Lutheran School in Shelby Township where he read and interacted with students. Kaysey Kasprik ‘23 teaches kindergarten at Peace Lutheran and invited Crimson to celebrate March is Reading Month during a school assembly.
Crimson and Taylor Isenberg ‘20, development and alumni relations officer, read to Peace Lutheran students.
Crimson continued his reading month tour visiting Leonard Elementary in Oxford Community Schools. Oxford Community Schools partners with Rochester Christian University as part of the Early College Program, where high school students can graduate with both their high school diploma and associate degree.
Crimson poses with his favorite books to read to students at Leonard Elementary.
Crimson’s final visit was to Owen Elementary in the Pontiac School District.
Owen Elementary first graders pose with Crimson.
Rochester Christian University partners with the Pontiac Promise Zone, a nonprofit providing scholarships for students in the Pontiac School District to make college education affordable.
If you are interested in having Crimson visit your school or classroom, contact Taylor Isenberg at tisenberg1@rochesteru.edu
