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South College partners with Legends of Tennessee to encourage reading in Knox County schools

Feb. 01, 2023

South College has partnered with nonprofit Legends of Tennessee to encourage reading in kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms across Knox County.

The program, which is called Reading Champions, will pair a University of Tennessee football player with a class for a 90-minute program that includes instruction, a chat about the importance of reading and lunch. Funding is provided by South College.

“South College is committed to supporting our community and helping to create lifelong learners – and that starts with encouraging young students to embrace reading,” South College Chancellor Stephen A. South said. “We are proud to partner with Legends of Tennessee to bring the Reading Champions program to Knox County elementary schools as we work together to spark an early zest for learning.”

Legends of Tennessee, founded in 2018 by former University of Tennessee football players Jabari Davis and Chris Treece, uplifts and encourages young people across Tennessee through youth sports camps led by former UT athletes.

The organization is now expanding with Reading Champions, which launched in an inaugural event on Feb. 1 at Pond Gap Elementary School and will bring athletes to classrooms weekly throughout the school year.

“Partnering with South College is a perfect way to support Knox County Schools with an exciting, interactive educational program designed to reinforce the importance of reading,” Davis said. “Literacy and reading comprehension skills are crucial, so we’re here to encourage children to read regularly and emphasize the importance of reading for a successful life.”

South College and nonprofit Legends of Tennessee are launching the Reading Champions program at an inaugural event at Pond Gap Elementary School. The program pairs University of Tennessee football players with students to promote reading and literacy in kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms across Knox County, Tennessee. From left: offensive lineman Parker Ball, tight end Jacob Warren, offensive lineman Ollie Lane and Chris Treece of Legends of Tennessee.

South College offers academic programs at all levels from professional certificates to doctoral degrees at eight campuses and online. For more information about South College, call 865-251-1800 or visit south.edu.

About South College

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. Questions about the accreditation of South College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).

About Legends of Tennessee

Founded in 2018 by former University of Tennessee football players Jabari Davis and Chris Treece, Legends of Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on youth development. The organization’s youth camps and classroom programs engage former University of Tennessee athletes in communities to teach life skills, character, discipline, respect and more. The organization’s goal is to uplift and encourage Tennessee youth to work hard, set goals and pursue their dreams.