Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Hamilton North Public Library (HNPL) in Cicero has been selected as one of 100 Indiana libraries and nonprofit organizations to participate in All-Star Reads – a statewide celebration of childhood literacy tied to the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2025, held July 19 in Indianapolis.
Presented by the WNBA All-Star Host Committee, All-Star Reads celebrates the power of stories and sport by promoting books that highlight girls and women in athletics. Each selected site, including HNPL, received a curated collection of 10 engaging books for young readers aged 10 and under. These titles highlight both fiction and nonfiction stories centered around strong female athletes and inspiring sports journeys.
In addition to the books, participating organizations were also given WNBA-themed swag and prizes to help generate excitement and build community buzz around the program.
Adding to the celebration, student-athletes from Hamilton Heights School Corporation brought the stories to life through special story time sessions held at the library in the weeks leading up to the game. Their participation offered young patrons an inspiring connection between reading and real-life role models. They also led and engaged attendees in hands-on activities offering tips and demonstrations in golf, soccer, cheer, and basketball.
As part of the HNPL All-Star Reads initiative, student-athletes from Heights not only shared stories through read-aloud sessions but also engaged attendees in hands-on activities, offering tips and demonstrations in golf, soccer, cheer, and basketball. (Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation)
“I wanted to show girls that they, too, can do sports like soccer,” said Nora Trees, a member of Hamilton Heights High School Girls Soccer team and a cheerleader. “I wanted to inspire them to thrive in their sport and show them that they can do anything they put their mind to. It was awesome to see the kids make connections like how we go to the same school district (Heights), and they have seen me on the field as a referee at their soccer games. One girl came up to me and was so excited to tell me that she plays soccer and cheers just like me! I hope I became a role model to them and will get the chance to see them at our games this season.”
Emma Trees, Nora’s sister, agrees.
“I noticed how important it was to share how I am a multi-sport athlete and how I have received acknowledgement not only for my athletic accomplishments but for my academic achievement as well,” Emma said. “It’s important for everyone to see the different aspects of being a student-athlete. I really enjoyed getting to interact with the people in the community and seeing the students having fun learning about new sports.”
“I decided to participate in the All-Star Reads to encourage young players to pursue sports as they get older,” said Reece Blanton, who plays basketball for Hamilton Heights. “Overall, the program was a lot of fun! I loved how interactive it was with the kids and how I got to teach them a little bit about basketball. I think that the kids had a lot of fun and learned that basketball is about working hard and having fun rather than winning.”
HNPL Youth Services Manager Anna Chambley added, “These talented young ladies not only excel in athletics, but also academics, and mental attitude. They are excellent role models for our youth in the community.”