Palm Desert High School Students Share Special Moments with Kids

Palm Desert High School seniors and kindergarteners came together for a heartwarming Read Across America event. The seniors paired up with the kids and created some memorable moments of mentorship and connection.

The Read With Me program, a literacy initiative from the Riverside County Office of Education, made the event even more special by donating 500 books. Each senior had the opportunity to gift a book to their kindergarten partner, reinforcing the importance of reading and education.

The event was full of adorable interactions, with students exchanging enthusiastic knuckle bumps and sharing lighthearted conversations. "You're 60 pounds? Nice. Awesome. Knuckles, knuckles, knuckles!" one senior playfully remarked to their young reading partner. The excitement was contagious as the seniors expressed their joy in participating.

"I'm just excited for our kids to experience this feeling of celebrating literacy, what it means to be a graduate, and what it will mean to be a student throughout the years," shared Principal Sarit Saig.

Beyond the joy of reading, the event symbolized the power of community, education, and mentorship. It gave high school students the chance to give back while inspiring young learners to dream big.

Thalia Hayden, NBC Palm Springs.