NC State Athletics Partnering with North State Bank for Wolfpack Blitz Reading Initiative

3/22/2021 10:49:00 AM | General

NC State Athletics has partnered with North State Bank to sponsor the annual Wolfpack Blitz Reading Initiative from March 22-24. This year, more than 45 Wolfpack student-athletes are participating in the virtual Wolfpack Blitz across seven local elementary schools.

“I’ve been trying to find a way to give back to the Raleigh community, and I feel like this is one of the best opportunities I have to truly make an impact,” said Ikem Ekwonu of the NC State football team.

Wolfpack Blitz is an opportunity for local elementary school students to have NC State student-athletes speak with them virtually about the importance of reading, education and their own personal life experiences.

“I am participating in the Wolfpack Blitz because I have always enjoyed reading and hope to share this joy with other children,” said Natalie Armbruester of the NC State women’s golf team. “I believe reading is a great way to further children’s growth.”

Each student-athlete will read a book to the class, answer questions about their own valuable life lessons and share what it takes to be a student-athlete.

“Young readers grow up to be tomorrow’s leaders,” said Amanda Lloyd, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer for North State Bank. “Research tells us that having books at home has more influence on a child’s level of education than does their household, income, nationality or level of education. Books help open our minds to learn, imagine, create and achieve. Thanks to NC State and their student-athletes for helping fuel a lifelong love of reading.”

“NC State believes that children view athletes as role models, and we want them to have the chance to interact with student-athletes who value both education and athletics,” said Tonya Washington, Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Engagement/Leadership. “In turn, we want our student-athletes to be active community partners with area schools.”

Thank you to North State Bank for being a sponsor of NC State Athletics and the Wolfpack Blitz Reading Initiative!