Laughter and wide-eyed excitement filled the halls of W.D. Williams Elementary as a very special guest stopped by to share the joy of reading with first graders. Mr. Moon, the beloved mascot for the Asheville Tourists, traded the baseball field for the classroom as he and a friend from the organization sat down with students for a memorable story time.
Dressed in his iconic uniform, Mr. Moon and friend quickly captured students’ attention, greeting them with waves, high-fives, and plenty of smiles before opening a book and reading aloud. As the story unfolded, first graders listened closely, laughed at the fun moments, and eagerly interacted with their larger-than-life visitor.
Teachers said the visit was a fun and meaningful way to encourage a love of reading while connecting students with a familiar community figure. For many students, seeing a sports mascot reading a book helped reinforce the message that reading is important and enjoyable.
After story time, students had the chance to take photos, give hugs, and share their excitement with Mr. Moon before he headed off to his next adventure. The visit left lasting smiles and served as a reminder that reading can be just as exciting as a night at the ballpark.
