Northern Arizona University Gates Scholars promote reading for kindergarteners

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A group of Gates Millennium Scholars spent a recent morning with kindergarteners at Flagstaff's Kinsey School, reading books and discussing the value of the written word.

The group from Northern Arizona University (NAU) is part of an on-campus organization of Gates Millennium Scholars, first generation college students most of whom are from Arizona's Native American reservations.

"I really like doing service work with the organization because we help people from a lot of different backgrounds," said Natasha Fulton, a recent NAU graduate from Greasewood near Dilkon. "As an NAU group, we have a common goal of reaching out to as many people as we can, even if it is something as simple as reading a story to students."

Fulton added the Gates Millennium program has helped her to succeed in her educational goals and aspirations.

"We brought books so we can give one to every kindergartener and leave extras with the classroom teachers," said Shania Valentine, who leads the campus-based group of Gates Millennium Scholars.

The group's fundraiser paid for some of the books and others were donated by Bookman's Flagstaff's store.

Kinsey teacher Nina Anderson said kindergarten is a good time to get students to think about the importance of reading, writing and college, lessons the university students reinforce.

"Having NAU so close by is an asset for us when students come into our classroom and support our efforts," Anderson said.

Monique Martinez, a kindergarten teacher, said her students enjoyed being read to by the Gates Millennium Scholars.

"Seeing these NAU students and their achievements is an inspiration to my students," Martinez said.