An Erwin Middle student reads to four Leicester Elementary students.

#worldbookdayđź“š The Junior Beta Club and Future Teachers Club at Clyde A. Erwin Middle School (CAEMS) joined forces to spread the joy of reading at Leicester Elementary School on Tuesday.

The Warriors embarked on a literary adventure through the halls of Leicester, igniting excitement among the Wildcats as they delved into cherished tales. Heartwarming reunions unfolded as middle school mentors reunited with past teachers, and several of them got to hang out with their younger siblings, weaving bonds of kinship through the shared love of stories.

Shelby, an eighth-grade member of the Beta and Future Teachers clubs, reveled in the chance to contribute to her community and engage with eager young minds.

“I love kids, and I want to be a teacher myself,” she said. “So interacting with them and getting this experience is really good for me. I’ve had some really good teachers growing up, and they’ve always inspired me.”

CAEMS Academically and Intellectually Gifted teacher Amy Vaughn serves as the guiding force behind these clubs. She said her students have visited all five Erwin District elementary schools twice this year. They love the opportunity to get a taste of the teaching profession and to serve outside their school.

“It’s a great leadership opportunity for them to come into a classroom, take initiative, and manage a small group of kids,” she said. “They get to share their love of reading and learning with younger peers who look up to them."