LAWNDALE—On Thursday, October 19 the Los Angeles Rams took over Lucille J. Smith Elementary School in Lawndale for a massive pep rally to celebrate reading featuring Rams mascot, and author Rampage.
More than 155 students participated in the Ram Readers program, which encourages students to explore the excitement that reading can provide while helping improve literacy rates among students throughout Los Angeles.
During each Rams Readers assembly, Rampage challenged students to read for at least 20 minutes each day for the following 30 days and provide the participating classes with posters to track their progress.
The Rams’ children’s book, Ride with Rampage, serves as the key component of the initiative. The book takes readers on a journey with mascot Rampage on Rams-branded double decker bus around the Los Angeles region, picking up young Rams fans and Rams Cheerleaders at each stop along the scenic route on the way to the Rams’ new home, SoFi Stadium.
The program is centered around in-person school visits by Rampage and Rams Cheerleaders, players, Rams Legends or influencers to read “Ride With Rampage” to elementary school students. As part of the visit, each child received a copy of the book to take home.
David Weingarten, Rams manager of community affairs and engagement, said, “The goal of the program was to build off the excitement of the beginning of the NFL season and encourage elementary school students to discover the excitement and adventure that reading provides.”
Since launching the program, the Rams have visited more than 40 schools and distributed over 7,600 copies of Ride with Rampage to first through third grade students in schools across Southern California.
Copies of Ride with Rampage can be purchased at www.ramsfanshop.com, Amazon, and in select Barnes & Noble locations across Los Angeles. All proceeds from retail purchases will benefit the Los Angeles Rams Foundation.
Following the school visit, the Rams will host their LA Bold game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, October 22 at 1:05 p.m. Last week, the Rams improved to (3-3) with an impressive 26-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams continue to be a pillar in the Los Angeles community working with local school districts to promote education and encourage literacy amongst the youth.
