It’s no surprise that kids love to imitate exactly what they see their role models do, whether it’s their parents, coaches, teachers or anyone important in their lives. When it comes to education, we know that reading is a critical part of every child's learning and development and that the positive influence and support of a mentor can make all the difference to help children find the right book that will Open a World of Possible.
That’s why Scholastic has teamed up with the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) for TIMEOUT for Reading. Through this program, NBA Referees volunteer their time to act as mentors, stressing the importance of literacy in their personal and professional lives. These referees commit one hour, once a month, to visit classrooms and promote literacy by reading to students in NBA cities across the country. 
On January 8th, NBA Referees Nick Buchert and J.T. Orr stopped by Linton Elementary School in San Antonio, TX to read to 5th grade students and hand out books provided by Scholastic. The San Antonio Spurs Coyote and Silver Dancers even made a surprise visit with tickets to a Spurs same! “The goal is to leave there and hopefully have reached all the students and made them realize that reading is important in their lives and it can be fun! There's a book for everyone, and hopefully we're helping some of these kids see that,” explained Referee Nick Buchert.
I caught up with Nick and J.T. after their visit to ask them 5 questions about TIMEOUT for Reading and the important role that reading has played in their lives. Check out the full interviews below!
1. What do you enjoy most about participating in the TIMEOUT for Reading program?
NICK: First, what a great program. When we first joined TIMEOUT for Reading, there always seemed to be a little hesitation from the kids. The most enjoyable part about the program for me now is to see those nervous, hesitant and sometimes scared walls come down and see the participation and excitement from practically everyone! There is eagerness now and more participation. There are kids raising their hands to read when we practically walk in the door; there's a buzz of excitement in the room. Excitement—that's an incredibly neat thing to have for reading.
JT: Although there are many enjoyable aspects to our participation in TIMEOUT for Reading, my overwhelming favorite would be the feeling of contribution towards educating our youth. I have two young girls of my own, so I know firsthand how easily influenced they are. It's important for children at these ages to hear positive reinforcement that reading is fun, cool and important. I feel fortunate to be in a position where these children value our opinions and I always leave the readings feeling like I've made an impact.
2. Do you have a favorite moment from TIMEOUT for Reading this month’s visit to Linton Elementary School in San Antonio?
NICK: I think my favorite moment has to go to the entire school of Linton Elementary! We have a nervousness coming into some of these schools, but we hadn't even opened a door yet when we were greeted by the school security guard in such a nice way. That same hospitality continued throughout the school. Top to bottom, the whole school had an excitement for TIMEOUT for Reading and everyone was on board!
JT: My favorite moment from the San Antonio visit was presenting a student with her award for writing the best book report, followed very closely by escorting her onto the court before the game so she could meet some of the Spurs players. She was so excited when I introduced her to Tony Parker.
3. Here at Scholastic, we know that reading is a vitally important skill for everyone. What role does reading play in your job as an NBA Referee?
NICK: There isn't a day that goes by with our job that we aren't reading. I personally read a set number of pages from the rule book and case book (a book of hypothetical situations and the answer to handling them on the court based on the rule book) every day. I also review websites for stories relating to past games, current games or potential games. Studying the game of basketball is essential for us to become better as referees, and reading is an essential tool for that.
JT: Reading is probably the most important skill there is, not just as an NBA Referee, but as a human being. With specific regard to being a referee, reading allows me to study the rules, do research on the teams/players and learn new skills that may be beneficial to my performance. With so much information now available on the Internet, the ability to read allows me unlimited learning potential.
4. What books have had the greatest impact on your life?
NICK: Greatest impact on my life, by far, is the book Rocket Boys (later republished after a movie was made about it under the name, October Sky). October Sky was probably the inspiration that helped lead me to the path of becoming an NBA referee. It's a great story about following your dreams, working hard to get where you want to go in life and never letting any obstacle get in your way. THE ULTIMATE "follow your dreams" and "never give up" story, in my mind.
JT: There is a collection of books that had a major impact on my life, four specifically: Of Mice and Men, Where the Red Fern Grows, The Outsiders and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I read all these books around the 5th and 6th grades and I can remember getting caught up in the stories and believing they were real. I can also remember feeling emotions because of my connection to the characters. I thought it was so cool that a book could take you away from your environment and make you believe you were living in another time and place.
5. What are you reading now?
NICK: Currently I'm reading American Sniper, the story of Chris Kyle. Incredibly sad to read at certain times, but a great read regarding what men and women sometimes go through to serve for our country.
JT: I'm reading Taking Sides, by Gary Soto.
