Thursday, October 1, 2026
St. Agnes Cathedral School continued its more than 20-year tradition of Community Readers Day, which closes out Reading Month each November.
Thirty-six community members from across Rockville Centre visited the K-8 Catholic school not only to read with students but also to emphasize the importance of literature in the classroom. The readers were divided into four sections by grade level.
“The overall goal is to foster a love of reading—sitting down, enjoying a good story, and focusing on how reading has influenced these readers’ careers, lives and successes,” said event chairperson and parent Colleen Whaley.
On Nov. 21, the visitors were greeted with refreshments and a meet-and-greet to introduce them. Afterward, they headed to classrooms to share their stories.
“It’s become a tradition, so we don’t change it too much,” Whaley said. “I constantly rotate the books and stories, and try to bring in some new readers each year.”
Some of the participants included familiar local figures, such as Rockville Centre Police Lt. Nicholas DeLuca, Capt. Patrick Harmon, Father Chris Heller of St. Agnes, and Molloy University President Dr. James Lentini. Children of all ages gathered around to hear stories from community members they look up to.
Each year, the event inspires students to become true bookworms, eager for their next read.
“They love it,” Whaley said. “It’s a break from their regular day and a chance to meet someone new. Teachers love it, too. Some alumni return as readers, and some teachers who originally taught these students come back, which is a wonderful way to reconnect.” S
Over the years, a variety of readers have passed through St. Agnes Cathedral School, helping the Rockville Centre community connect on a personal level with today’s young readers.
For more information on St. Agnes Cathedral School, visit StAgnes-School.org.
