Florida State University Athletics
Florida State
Clemson University
Seminoles Play For Champions For Literacy As They Tip-Off Against Clemson
2/14/2025 12:01:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- The Florida State Seminoles continue their commitment to childhood literacy as they play host to a Fight for Literacy game at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, February 15, 2025, against Clemson.
Champions for Literacy, a non-profit organization founded in 2014, leverages the influence of sports to promote childhood reading. The organization operates under the belief that "athletes can inspire social change," which is the driving force behind their mission. Their key initiatives include Fight for Literacy Games, Collective Impact, Impact Player, and Corporate Catalyst programs.
Florida State actively supports this movement by hosting a Fight for Literacy game and also by engaging with local schools and reading to children.
The Seminoles have been active participants in the Champions for Literacy initiative since its inception. Stan Jones, the Seminole's Associate Head Coach, has led the effort on behalf of the men's basketball team.
The Seminoles' efforts have benefited organizations such as the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend and the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County in Pensacola. To date, these initiatives have generated a total grant of $59,832.76, positively impacting 6,128 children. This achievement marks the highest impact among schools in Florida, reflecting Florida State's dedication to education and community development.
"Why Literacy? Everyone deserves to be a great reader," Champions for Literacy states on their website.
Earlier this month, the Seminoles visited Sabal Palm Elementary School in Tallahassee, where the players read to and interacted with young students, further showing the importance of literacy and reading.Â
"It feels like I jumped into the future like I was just these kids not too long ago," said freshman Alier Maluk.
The players cherished the experience, and their presence had a significant impact on the students, who were thrilled to meet them.
"The opportunity to talk them, give them advice about just life, encourage them to go to college, and further their education was very gratifying," said senior Bostyn Holt.
Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton has long emphasized the importance of education for his student-athletes. Under his leadership, nearly all of his players have graduated, demonstrating his strong belief that academic success is just as vital as athletic performance.
"Reading is one of the things that you develop along the way that far exceeds anything else," said Hamilton.
Florida State's opponent on Saturday, Clemson, is also a strong supporter of Champions for Literacy and has hosted numerous Champions for Literacy games.
Champions for Literacy highlighted Clemson's efforts, stating: "The Clemson community rallies for Literacy with $55,934 Raised and 550+ students impacted as the Clemson University's Men's Basketball Team partners annually with Champions for Literacy to host a Fight for Literacy Game. The awareness and fundraising around the game benefits award-winning Camp iRock, a local summer reading camp supporting 550+ elementary students in need of literacy intervention work."
The Fight for Literacy initiative was established to empower individuals nationwide to address the urgent challenge of childhood literacy. At Champions for Literacy, creating a meaningful impact remains the core mission. While the issue of literacy may not be solved in our lifetime, Florida State University is determined to drive the movement forward.
