Students from Kipp Central City Primary, an elementary school in New Orleans, enjoyed a day of fun aboard the Carnival Triumph on Sept. 8 for the first-ever “Read & Rise” literacy day. The day of activities celebrates their reading achievements as winners of the school’s summer reading challenge.
The event was created in collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line, the National Football League’s New Orleans Saints and Scholastic Book Fairs. Former Saints player Deuce McAllister hosted the literacy day, teaching the students gridiron fundamentals with fun football-themed activities while encouraging them to read and stay active.
Prior to the event, all students from Kipp Central City Primary grades 2-4 each received $10 vouchers funded by Carnival to purchase books of their choice at the Scholastic Book Fair, and participated in games and other activities held at their school reading rally.
Aboard Carnival Triumph, the 100 Kipp Central Primary students who won the reading challenge participated in gridiron drills that included the quarterback challenge, vertical jump and three-cone combine drills that are part of the Saints Junior Training Camp activities.
In addition, students enjoyed lunch on board the ship and received backpacks filled with logo items from Carnival and the Saints as well as an ocean-themed book provided by Scholastic Book Fairs. The children had the opportunity to tour the massive 102,000-ton cruise ship, nearly three football fields in length.
“Carnival has been a part of the New Orleans community for more than two decades and we’re delighted to team up with the Saints and Scholastic Book Fairs on this fun football-themed event that provided these kids an unforgettable experience while promoting the importance of reading and literacy,” said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.
“I’m honored to work with Carnival and Scholastic on behalf of the Saints to encourage local students to keep reading and stay active,” said Saints legend McAllister. “These kids are so inspiring. We’ve all had a great day filled with fun and football and I think this was a great event to kick off the season.”
