UTICA — The inaugural Community Reader’s Day held Friday at Kernan Elementary School brought in some valuable resources for the school’s students, according to Principal Dominick Timpano.

Community members from a wide range of career fields visited the students to both read to them and tell those young people about their own working lives.

“Any time we can take learning off the page and give them a real-life example, it is a great resource for them,” Timpano explained. “It was nice to give our kids the opportunity to see what careers are out there.”

“I was really surprised to see so many community readers who are so enthusiastic about taking a part in this,” said event coordinator and Kernan first grade teacher Jordyn Dunlap. “It was great to see the community reach out and show the kids what they do.”

Dunlap called the event a “huge success” with 50 community readers coming out to share some quality time with the students. They included local government officials, law enforcement personnel, athletes, school board members, radio personalities and school administrators.

The community readers met at the library on arrival for some social time and refreshments and then separated out into their designated rooms to read to the children. Participants read a short story to a class and shared how reading has influenced their own lives. They also answered questions from the students about their careers and told them some anecdotes.

Michelle Truett said she was channeling her position as coordinator at the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series in reading “When the Beat Was Born — DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the music genre. She said she enjoyed meeting with the students and hoped she sparked a bit of musical interest in them.

Parent liaison Karen Balandis got to supervise some students as they heard from one of the community readers. She said it was a great opportunity for not only the readers to share with them but for the youngsters themselves to share with those readers as well.

District Acting Superintendent Brian Nolan said he enjoys events like community reading days because they give the community the chance to come in and meet their students and teachers.

“The kids love the special attention it gives them and their school,” Nolan said. “I think it’s a great time when we can invite community members in to see our students and their teachers. Our teachers work really hard so these are great events to share for everybody.”