SCHENECTADY, NY -- For the second straight year, Union student-athletes participated in the annual National Education Association's Read Across America Day. The event, which celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday, was held at William Keane Elementary School recently.

Union was represented by junior defensive specialist Cristina Vazzana of the volleyball team and sophomore catcher David Peretti of the baseball squad. The event featured local celebrities including Schenectady Mayor Gary R. McCarthy, meteorologist Tim Drawbridge of WNYT-TV 13, and Rotterdam Town Justice Kenneth Litz.

The March 2 event celebrated the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. This was the 14th year of the program. Cristina and David were assigned to a class and read Dr. Seuss' legendary books to the children. Cristina read "Fox in Socks" to the students of Mrs. Zotta's fourth grade class while David read "If I Ran the Circus" to Mr. Sangare's fifth grade class.

The Union Athletics representatives then joined the children for birthday cake in the library, and talked about their experiences as student-athletes at Union College.

"I had a great time reading with the students at Keane," said Cristina. "It was a great experience and a fun way to connect with the community. It was very rewarding."

"David and Cristina did a wonderful job," said Dana DeMarco of Keane Elementary. "The children in their classes really enjoyed the opportunity to meet them."