Pep Rally Celebrates Literacy and a Lifelong Passion for Learning With Seattle Youth

Collaborating national organizations Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, NFL Inspire Change, and the Smithsonian have come together to encourage excitement around reading. Their latest event in Seattle provided over 1,250 books to youth and their Club libraries

In late July, 125 youth at the Ballard Boys & Girls Club received a surprise visit from Amazon’s Community Engagement Team, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Smithsonian. As part of the Thursday Night Football’s TNF for Good initiative, Seattle was one of five host sites across the country, including Kansas City, Detroit, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C for these impactful events. Fueled by this campaign, Boys & Girls Clubs across the country are receiving shipments of books and access to digital learning resources to encourage a love of reading and exploring their interests, including an emphasis on rural and tribal communities.

Kindergarteners through fifth graders were welcomed onto the Ballard Club’s field for an event unlike anything they had ever experienced: a one-of-a-kind pep rally for reading. Each Club youth in attendance had the opportunity to select from an assortment of 25 Smithsonian titles to take home. These books were specially curated by a team of educators in the Smithsonian Office of the Under Secretary for Education to highlight stories of science and innovation, historical fiction, and future careers from volcanologists to zoologists, inspired by experts at the National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Once the Club youth selected their books, they rotated through activity stations where they decorated personalized bookmarks and began writing and illustrating their own stories in a comic book format. 

“Having a partner like the Smithsonian curate a collection of books rich in diverse stories and perspectives reflects the vibrancy of our 32 Clubs,” said Lori Bae, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. “At the Boys & Girls Clubs, we use these stories to spark a love of reading that fuels imagination, and when a young person’s imagination is ignited, it opens the door to a thriving, full life.”

The energy and enthusiasm around the event was rounded out by the arrival of Seattle Seahawks’ legend player, Ben Obomanu, accompanied by two of the Seahawks Dancers and their mascot, Blitz!

Obomanu delivered a heartfelt message to the youth, encouraging them to use reading as a tool to dream big:

“When I was growing up in Alabama, we didn’t have an NFL team. But I used to read sports books and imagine myself in those stories. I’d say, ‘One day, that’s going to be me.’ And look what happened, I ended up playing football right here in Seattle. So, I want to encourage you to read and make reading fun. Put yourself in the story. That’s where your dreams start.”

He closed his remarks by leading a team chant and added, “The same way you’re excited about the Seahawks, we’re excited to see you reading, enjoying the rest of your summer, and starting the school year strong.”

Seattle-based Amazon Community Engagement volunteers offered support throughout the event, including pairing youth interests with book recommendations and facilitating a story time corner. An impromptu race of some of the speediest youth at the Club and Kevin Burkhart, Director of Echo Product and Marketing for Amazon and board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, added to the smiles and laughter that filled the day. "There's something truly magical about watching a child's face light up when they find a book that speaks to them," said Burkhart. "Being here today reminds me why this work matters so much. These moments create lasting impact that will extend far beyond today.”

At the close of the event, complete with a popsicle treat, Jason Bloom from Boys & Girls Club of King County board debriefed with the Club youth on their favorite aspects of being a “Club kid.” Responses ranged from time spent with new friends to “Power Hour” tutoring and homework help and enrichment field trips, with an overwhelmingly positive shoutout to an especially beloved youth development professional, Kevin M., who was once a “Club kid” himself.

“Books open doors to new worlds for young people. By partnering with Amazon, the Smithsonian, and the Seahawks, we're putting books into kids’ hands—showing them their community believes in their potential. As a company rooted in books, we’re committed to expanding access to rich stories that inspire curiosity, learning, and future innovation,” said Bloom.

This initiative demonstrates the transformative power of collaborating organizations coming together in service to youth. It is part of a shared commitment to promoting education, literacy, and opportunity for young people nationwide. As the youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County finish up their summer breaks and head back to school this fall, they’ll have a set of new books to inspire them and fond memories to take with them.

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Editor’s Note: The Smithsonian gratefully acknowledges Prime Sports for their generous support of the TNF for Good campaign to support literacy. A press release in November 2024 announced the collaboration. 

Ashley Naranjo | | Read More

Ashley Naranjo is a museum educator, specializing in the use of digital resources for teaching and learning. She currently leads education partnerships as the Assistant Director, Education and Outreach Strategy in the Smithsonian’s Office of the Under Secretary for Education. She has developed and implemented professional development opportunities for teachers, librarians and fellow museum educators since 2011. She holds a B.A. in Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and a M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. She is a 2019 graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen of Museum Leaders program. 

Chiquita Wright | Read More

Chiquita Wright is a resilient leader and storyteller, dedicated to uplifting communities through equity-driven communications and powerful narratives. As the Development Communications Associate at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, she blends strategy and heart to amplify youth voices, support fundraising, and build lasting relationships. A first-generation graduate and survivor of adversity, Chiquita is passionate about generational healing, mental health advocacy, and creating spaces where every story matters.