New Palliser Trustee Craig Whitehead was the guest reader at Huntsville School's bi-monthly Literacy Celebration Days.
Principal Shari Rogerson said Whitehead's storytelling was "worthy of an Oscar nomination."
"The kids love to have someone new read a favourite story to them," she said.
A highlight of these events held once every two months is the school-wide reading buddy time. Students bring their favourite books to read to each other, and play word games.
"Depending on their reading level, they each have a bookmark that either helps them to focus on reading strategies to decode words, or provides guiding questions to spark robust conversations about the books they are sharing to enhance comprehension," Rogerson said. "As they read they get to share a special treat like cookies and juice."
Aside from the literacy strategies students are practising, the buddy program is building strong bonds through the school.