Second grade students from Selma and Dallas County gathered at Concordia College Alabama Friday to watch a play, read books and “get down” with the college band as part of the college’s Literacy Festival. 

Tonya Chestnut, faculty instructor for the college of education at Concordia, said the Literacy Festival was created out of a need for students to extend a thank you to the community for all they do in assisting the school’s education program.

“Concordia is giving back to the community because the community is always very supportive of the college of education,” Chestnut said.

Along with the college of education, the Concordia football team, band and cheerleaders entertained students who attended the program. Chestnut said it was great to see so many smiling faces as the school’s mascot, the Hornet, paraded around the gymnasium dancing to music provided by the band.

“This is the first time we’ve done this, and we’ve had a real good response,” Chestnut said. “We plan to expand and include other grade levels next year.”

Cheryl Washington, vice president of academic affairs, said the festival’s aim was to give back to the community in a positive way while also promoting educational activities for children — like reading.

“Through hosting the Literacy Festival, children were able to interact with our students and kind of see what we’re doing at Concordia,” Washington said. “They have all been really excited, and it’s been great to see everyone interacting.”

Selma resident T.V. Wilson gathered students in the gymnasium to read a book out loud. While listening to the story, students interacted with Wilson, often letting out loud laughs and gasps.

“This is a great opportunity for us to spread the love of books and reading,” said Nancy Sewell, a representative from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which participated in the Literacy Festival. “Reading is a basis for all subjects and we try to promote it as a fun thing.”