BALTIMORE, Md./February 26, 2026 — As the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament brings championship excitement to Baltimore, a parallel celebration of literacy and youth achievement took place February 26, 2026 at Federal Hill Preparatory School through the CIAA and Friends Literacy Circle. Johnson C. Smith University was front and center. President Valerie Kinloch was on site.
“To see the students so excited about having HBCUs come into their school and interact with them — that was powerful....What stayed with me most was the reminder of the beauty and promise of young people," Kinloch shared.
The event, brought to life by Octavius Rice of Johnson C. Smith University and the CIAA, honored Federal Hill Preparatory students who participated in a citywide reading competition, spanning four Baltimore schools and engaging more than 1,200 students.
"We’re celebrating the CIAA Literacy Challenge, where students collectively read more than 150 books,” Rice said. “We’re recognizing our top 12 winners, and CIAA institutions showed up in a big way — with cheerleaders and representatives from across the conference here to celebrate with our students. It truly became a championship-style literacy moment.”
Dr. Kinloch, a scholar in the field of education, recognized the profound power of this literacy moment. She focused on the gift of agency.
"We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to instill in these students not just a love of literacy, but the understanding that they have the right to read, to engage in the world, and to connect with others," she said.
For weeks, the students competed in a “read-off,” logging books through a digital tracking system using QR codes. At Federal Hill Preparatory School alone, more than 150 students tracked their reading, helping the school emerge as front runner. Then the big announcement: Federal Hill won the top prize. Federal Hill principal, Sheila Adams, was thrilled at the announcement.
" It feels amazing to have our students recognized today as the big winners in the CIAA Literacy Challenge. We are incredibly proud of them. They showed real commitment by reading more than 150 books, and that took dedication from both students and families."
The celebration featured storytime led by CIAA student-athletes, including JCSU student athletes, student leaders and the Luv-a-Bulls. They led twelve classrooms filled with eager young students in CIAA-themed spirit activities highlighting college pride and literacy.
“The goal is to create a lasting impact in the communities that host the tournament,” Rice said. “We want young people to connect education, reading and college opportunity with the excitement of CIAA.”
Federal Hill received a literacy trophy and $1,000 in Scholastic Dollars to support school reading programs. 19 additional students received medals, certificates, CIAA university apparel and tickets to the CIAA Championship Game. An enthusiastic crowd of students cheered them on!
Federal Hill's Amanda Richardson was beaming with pride for the students. "They read more than 150 books, and that took real commitment from both students and families."
Johnson C. Smith University leaders, CIAA representatives, student-athletes, and Baltimore education partners attended the celebration, reflecting the CIAA and Friends mission to connect athletics, education, and community uplift in tournament host cities.
“We’re excited to bring this to Baltimore and to partner with schools here,” Rice said. “This is just the beginning for the CIAA and Friends Literacy Circle.”
