La Cueva athletes mentor young readers

(KRQE) Albuquerque, N.M. - A group of La Cueva athletes is helping to inspire young students by mentoring them in reading. They're also teaching them some life lessons along the way.

The athletes, juniors and seniors, spent two days a month reading to first and second graders in the La Cueva cluster elementary schools in Albuquerque. Most of the books also teach life lessons like persistence, practice and never giving up.

The athletes also ask the students to sign a pledge that they will do their best, have good attendance, respect their teachers, practice good sportsmanship and do their homework every night.

Senior Hannah McAlister says it's paying off.

"I have kids come up to me and tell me 'I did my homework I promise,'" she said.

The student athletes say they've become role models for these kids, something they're proud of

The program was the idea of a counselor at the high school. Right now it's only being done in the La Cueva cluster, but the Albuquerque Public Schools says it is a very good program and could be expanded to other schools.