Second graders at Mintonye Elementary had the chance to hear from some special readers on Friday, November 15^, 2019.  This field trip was sponsored by the Purdue Mortar Board.  Reading is Leading is a national program with the Mortar Board Honor Society.  The Reading is Leading program intends to serve the local community and make a difference in children’s lives by engaging with elementary school students to excite a passion for reading.  In addition, the program focuses on creating excitement for learning, ambition for college, and pride for Purdue.  This day is a philanthropic endeavor of the Purdue Mortar Board.  It is a special honor each year to be asked to attend this “Reading is Leading” program. The main focus of the trip was to learn how reading has influenced the lives of the students who read to them, enabling them to work towards their careers. The readers for the second grade include a female tank driver, a golf player, a soccer players, the Purdue Queen, and a Professional Football player for the New York Jets. Ms. Leuck's class had the privilege to hear a book from Purdue basketball player, Matt Haarms.  The students also played games and listened to instruments and got the chance to get an up close look at the instruments and hear a performance from a Purdue choir.