Reading is fundamental! And at Sunset Elementary School, it’s just plain fun! At the Pep Rally to celebrate the book release of AFE & KPBS “Charge Ahead”, the principal, Jason, proudly boasts that Sunset Elementary is the “flagship for the entire district” because of their successful programs to improve literacy, test scores and grades in school, increase physical activity, encourage family time and combat obesity. The book has brought their efforts to all new heights.

The book was a celebration for all involved and made more significant by the inclusion of school officials, parents, and the cheerleaders and band from the San Ysidro High School. The event was a reward for all the hard work from the children, the school, the mentors and the parents. Kassim Osgood felt that he needed to be involved because the book was “another opportunity to help with kids. It reaches out to more kids and leaves them with a lasting positive memory for years to come. It represents more than one single event or interaction.”

Charge Ahead is targeted at second and third graders to inspire them on so many important life lessons including how fun and good reading is, healthy habits, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. To add to the excitement of the work, the book was illustrated by the children at Sunset Elementary rather than professional artists. One of the illustrator’s mom, Giselle Hurtado says, “it makes me so proud that Jose is part of something that motivates the kids to be something good in life – good students, good athletes, good people!” For Delia Cheang it means even more, “my son (Carlos) has told me that he wants to be an artist when he grows up. This is a push in the right direction. This is inspiration for the rest of his life.”

This unique project brought together Athletes for Education (AFE), KPBS, Sunset Elementary and author, Clare Meeker. The idea was born almost two years ago when AFE and KPBS were working together for some on-air spots to promote literacy. These commercials were very well-received and popular. After that interaction, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (“the Corporation”) asked what else they could do with the Chargers to promote literacy and make a positive impact on the San Diego Community. To make it happen, the Corporation provided a grant and required specific references to reading throughout the book in addition to the positive messages about citizenship, learning, eating right, being physically active and fit and doing well in school. This created a perfect fit with AFE through all that its athletes and mentors teach San Diego youth. Combine that with Chargers that take pride in acting as the ambassadors to the San Diego Community - like Steve Gregory, Kassim Osgood, Luis Castillo, Jeromey Clary and former Charger, Tra Battle – you have a winning recipe to inspire and delight children for years to come!

Although the book was officially released in September, Charge Ahead has already created so many lasting and inspiration moments for everyone involved. According to the author, Clare Meeker, “I’ve published many books but have never seen a book come to life like this one has! I was touched by how articulate, involved and compassionate the guys (Chargers players involved) were about their work in the community and involvement with the children. It’s a true commitment to the kids and to this school – very touching and inspiring!”

Steve Gregory takes particular pride in the book as he and his girlfriend, Rosanne, have spent countless hours at Sunset Elementary through the SG Squad over the past year and a half. As the principal put it, “When Steve first starting coming to Sunset, the kids would surround him and hound him for autographs. He and Rosanne are now part of the Sunset family. They are like old students that come back to give back!” For Steve, “it’s an honor and privilege to be part of something like this and to positively impact the lives of these kids especially with teammates like Kassim and Luis. It has been exciting to see how the book developed, to see the early drafts and how it blossomed into the end product. Charge Ahead will have a lasting impression on these kids which is even more special to me because it’s here at Sunset!”

With ten thousand copies in print, Luis feels this is “just the beginning” as he shares what it’s meant to him to be involved in this project. “It’s been a pretty neat experience. I have always believed in a sound body and mind. This book goes beyond that by encouraging parents and kids to read and to spend that time together. Charge Ahead represents a small stepping stone for us – we can and will do so much more!”

AFE & KPBS Children's Book Kick-off Celebration