News Summary
San Antonio third graders are making headlines by logging an incredible 25 million reading minutes as part of the ‘Read to the Final Four’ challenge. In celebration of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four, over 26,000 students from more than 30 school districts are competing to enhance their literacy skills. Finalists will be honored at the Final Four Fan Fest on April 4, where the top class will win a $5,000 grant for a library makeover. This initiative is not just fostering a love for reading but also uniting the community in support of education.
San Antonio Third Graders Take Reading to New Heights Ahead of Final Four
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as third graders across the city are racking up reading minutes like never before! It’s not just about books; these young scholars have collectively read an astounding 25 million minutes—that’s over 47 years of reading!
Read to the Final Four Challenge
To give a boost to literacy and celebrate San Antonio’s role as the host city for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee (SALOC) launched the engaging reading challenge called “Read to the Final Four.” This exciting competition kicked off in October 2024 and has captured the hearts (and minds!) of thousands of local students.
Get Ready for Some Friendly Competition!
The challenge saw participation from over 30 school districts, with more than 26,000 third graders rolling up their sleeves to dive into their favorite books. Isn’t that just fantastic? It’s wonderful to see young readers get into the groove, fueling their literacy skills while contributing to an exciting competitive environment.
Spotlight on the Finalists
As of now, four top classes have emerged as finalists, and they are ready to shine! These schools—the torchbearers of the reading challenge—are:
- Burke Elementary, Northside Independent School District
- Freedom Elementary, Southside ISD
- Harmony School of Science, a charter school
- Royal Ridge Elementary, North East ISD
These finalists were announced during a lively reading rally at Harmony School of Science, where the air was filled with the excitement of young readers cheering each other on.
A Real Page-Turner of a Celebration!
On April 4, the hard work of these literacy champions will be celebrated during the Read to the Final Four Celebration at the Final Four Fan Fest, nestled right in the heart of downtown. The students from the top-performing schools will receive well-deserved recognition for their achievements in front of a big crowd.
Literacy for All
But wait, there’s more! Not only are the kids competing, but there’s also a parallel contest featuring 32 school board trustees who are putting their reading minutes to the test. It’s a community-wide push for reading, designed to foster a thrilling environment for everyone involved. The initiative is all about enhancing literacy among youth, inspiring a culture of reading, and emphasizing the importance of education.
Grand Prize Awaits!
The prize for the winning class is pretty awesome. They will receive a $5,000 grant for a library makeover! Just imagine the joy of transforming their school library into an even more inviting place to read and explore. Who knows what magical adventures await in those new books?
Join the Reading Revolution!
Since the competition launched, over 27,000 students from approximately 1,300 classrooms in 306 area schools have participated in this fantastic reading contest. The challenge has not only ignited the love for reading but created a spirit of camaraderie among students, teachers, and families across San Antonio.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, join the excitement! Whether you’re reading a favorite tale at home or cheering for your favorite team, remember that learning and fun can go hand in hand. Happy reading, San Antonio!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation at McCollum High School Basketball Program
San Antonio School All-Star Basketball Games Coming Soon
New Curriculum Sparks Debate in San Antonio Schools
University Course Explores Beyoncé and Feminism
Burbank High School Faces Uncertainty Amid Safety Concerns
University of Texas System Enforces Ban on Drag Shows
San Antonio Schools Face Voucher Debate
Trump to Sign Executive Order Shutting Down the Education Department
San Antonio Celebrates Student Achievements at Science Fair
Free Concerts Bring Classical Music to San Antonio
Additional Resources
- KSAT – San Antonio Third Graders Surpass Goal of Reading Over 25 Million Minutes
- Express News – Final Four Schools Reading Contest
- KSAT – San Antonio Hosts Selection Sunday Watch Party for 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- KSAT – Alamodome Ready for Final Four
- Google News: San Antonio Final Four
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
