WWE Star talks to kids about reading

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Some students were given a day out of the classroom Friday, and it wasn't because of the snow.

Friday was the MGM Springfield Fanfest at the MassMutual Center , as a part of the MAAC Championships .
  
Students had some fun but also heard from WWE Superstar, Sgt. Slaughter. He spoke about talking to kids on the importance of reading.
  
Teachers told 22News it’s great when the kids can interact with athletes who promote a positive message.

Janet Aronson, teacher from Longmeadow, said, "When the kids get to see that there are college players out there, they say, ‘hmm,’ that's something they aspire to. That they will stay in school, work hard and practice writing and reading, which is really important."

"It's really cool because all my friends are here and stuff so it's really fun," said Ashley Barron of Longmeadow.

The appearance of Sgt. Slaughter was a part of the " We give books and Wrestlemania Reading Challenge ."