University Southern California Trojans
Readers of Troy
February 25, 2019 | Track & Field, Trojan Outreach, Features
On Feb. 20, Trojan Outreach launched the Readers of Troy program by visiting two LAUSD elementary schools with surprise visits from USC track & field student-athletes, in addition to Lehman Riley, the author of the children's book series Papa Lemon's Little Wanderers.
As part of USC's Serving the Community through Outreach, Recreation and Education (SCORE) initiative, the Readers of Troy program focuses on encouraging local students to pursue reading and writing with game ticket reward milestones. USC track & field student-athletes began the Readers of Troy event by reading excerpts from the Papa Lemon's Little Wanderers book series to three assemblies for over elementary 500 students at Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School and Hillcrest Drive Elementary School. One of the USC track & field student-athletes graduated from Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School and surprised his former teachers by reading to current students.
The LAUSD students engaged with the student-athletes and asked them questions about student life at USC, the type of books that they enjoy reading, advice to succeed in college and more. Riley explained how his source of inspiration for writing books came from his late grandfather, who he called Papa Lemon. Riley's grandfather told him stories about a magic train that traveled back in time and allowed him to revisit significant historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.
"I challenge every one of you to write about your grandparents and family, so you can learn about your family history while developing great writing skills," Riley told the children.
Additionally, he showcased the importance of making reading a priority to become a better student. Riley gifted every student in attendance a free copy of the Papa Lemon's Little Wanderers book to take home.
The Readers of Troy event also tied in Black History Month themes. The schoolchildren were able to learn about slavery and civil rights, in addition to learning how to deal with issues such as bullying and having disabilities.
Â
The Readers of Troy event is especially important because the Los Angeles Unified School District is the nation's second-largest school district, and according to LAUSD, 31 percent of L.A. Unified students meet or exceed reading proficiency standards. Although rates grew 2 to 3 percentage points from the previous year, gaps remain between the performance of some student groups and the rest of the district. The Readers of Troy Program aims to help students exceed these reading levels by encouraging them to love reading, writing, and realize that they are capable of attending an institution of higher education.
To stay in the loop on USC's work in the community, follow Trojan Outreach on Twitter and Instagram!
As part of USC's Serving the Community through Outreach, Recreation and Education (SCORE) initiative, the Readers of Troy program focuses on encouraging local students to pursue reading and writing with game ticket reward milestones. USC track & field student-athletes began the Readers of Troy event by reading excerpts from the Papa Lemon's Little Wanderers book series to three assemblies for over elementary 500 students at Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School and Hillcrest Drive Elementary School. One of the USC track & field student-athletes graduated from Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School and surprised his former teachers by reading to current students.
The LAUSD students engaged with the student-athletes and asked them questions about student life at USC, the type of books that they enjoy reading, advice to succeed in college and more. Riley explained how his source of inspiration for writing books came from his late grandfather, who he called Papa Lemon. Riley's grandfather told him stories about a magic train that traveled back in time and allowed him to revisit significant historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.
"I challenge every one of you to write about your grandparents and family, so you can learn about your family history while developing great writing skills," Riley told the children.
Additionally, he showcased the importance of making reading a priority to become a better student. Riley gifted every student in attendance a free copy of the Papa Lemon's Little Wanderers book to take home.
The Readers of Troy event also tied in Black History Month themes. The schoolchildren were able to learn about slavery and civil rights, in addition to learning how to deal with issues such as bullying and having disabilities.
Â
The Readers of Troy event is especially important because the Los Angeles Unified School District is the nation's second-largest school district, and according to LAUSD, 31 percent of L.A. Unified students meet or exceed reading proficiency standards. Although rates grew 2 to 3 percentage points from the previous year, gaps remain between the performance of some student groups and the rest of the district. The Readers of Troy Program aims to help students exceed these reading levels by encouraging them to love reading, writing, and realize that they are capable of attending an institution of higher education.
To stay in the loop on USC's work in the community, follow Trojan Outreach on Twitter and Instagram!
USC Women's Volleyball vs. Michigan State Highlights | Trojans win 3-0
Wednesday, November 26
USC Men's Basketball vs ASU Highlights | Trojans win Maui Invitational, 88-75
Wednesday, November 26
USC Women’s Basketball vs Tennessee Tech Highlights | Trojans win 85-44
Tuesday, November 25
USC Women's Basketball vs Tennessee Tech Postgame Press Conference (11/25/25)
Tuesday, November 25
