Men's Track & Field | 5/15/2025 1:53:56 PM

Norfolk, Va., May 15, 2025 — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), in partnership with Norfolk Public Schools, proudly continued its Read with MEAC community service initiative promoting literacy and leadership among elementary and middle school students across the city.   

Held in conjunction with the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, May 15-17 at William “Dick” Price Stadium in Norfolk, Va., the initiative also served as a meaningful community engagement opportunity for the conference’s track and field student-athletes, reinforcing the MEAC’s commitment to service beyond competition.  

The Read with MEAC program encourages a love of reading while connecting young learners with collegiate student-athletes who exemplify the balance of academics and athletics.  

Student-athletes from MEAC institutions visited the three winning schools from this year’s Read with MEAC reading contest, engaging students in two sixth-grade classes at the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont, one third-grade class at Larchmont Elementary, and two third-grade classes at the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood through read-alouds and interactive Q&A sessions.  

Norfolk State student-athletes read and shared insights on their lives as collegiate athletes with students at the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont.  

“Education is hard work, but it's also heart work,” said Dr. Dorie Banks, Principal at the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont. “Seeing student-athletes return to motivate and inspire the youth is powerful. It's a testament to the MEAC and its student-athletes, showing just how important it is to be not just an athlete, but a student as well.”  

Athletes from North Carolina Central University continued the mission at the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood, fostering excitement for both reading and higher education. Meanwhile, student-athletes from Delaware State University and Morgan State University visited Larchmont Elementary, where they led story time and meaningful discussions with students.  

The Read with MEAC initiative remains a cornerstone of the conference’s commitment to community service and youth engagement, specifically tied to the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field student-athletes as part of their service activities surrounding the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.  

The MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships begin Thursday, May 15, in Norfolk, Virginia. For more information on the MEAC and its events, visit www.MEACsports.com.  

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