AMHERST — Before local and school celebrities took time out of their day to read stories to classes at Wildwood School this week, two sixth graders reflected on the power of dreaming and the importance of self expression.

With the picture book “What If” by Samantha Berger serving as inspiration, Syire Hardy-Howard and Christiano Correia told their peers at an all-school assembly that, just like the Black girl who is the focus of that text, no one can take away a person’s ability to express themselves, whether it be through dancing or singing or some other activity.

“‘What If’ is about different possibilities and using your imagination, basically,” Christiano said after the presentation, which helped kick off the school’s annual African-American Read-In day, a long-running tradition that, for 17 years, has been highlighted by a visit from Billy McBride, the associate athletic director for diversity and inclusion at Amherst College.

For McBride, regaling sixth graders with personal accounts and experiences can offer real-life inspirations to the students to focus on their education and broaden their interests, such as encouraging those students who love sports to take up an instrument, and to make sure they prioritize learning.

“You work hard in school, that will pay off,” said Kayla Madden, the college’s assistant women’s basketball coach, who joined McBride on the panel that had a conversation with sixth graders. As a former basketball player at Springfield College, missing her final season due to injury, Madden said students should always be mindful of having other things “to fill your cup.”

A similar message came from Jennifer Chuks, the college’s associate athletic director, who said that while she got a full scholarship to attend the University of Hartford to play basketball, she tore her achilles tendon in high school and then her ACL in college, preventing her from returning to the court. Still, as a first generation American, Chuks got her college education, later earned her MBA, and recently bought her first home.

Three Amherst College football players also spoke.

“People teach because they love kids,” said Christian Moore, a sophomore wide receiver. “I’d say really take advantage of these relationships.”

But he pointed out that he wasn’t always respectful to his teachers, with one Wildwood student quipping Moore was “straight menace,” causing those in attendance to laugh.

Benjamin Henry, a sophomore and safety on the college football team, said students can control their attitudes and toughness, and every day have a sense of confidence. “Put your head down and do the work,” Henry said. “Appreciate your education.”

He learned to play drums in his spare time. “Being able to take risks, take the risk, be curious, you’ll never really know unless you give it a shot.”

Marek Hill, sophomore quarterback, said having a surrounding support system is essential. Hill is the son of Talmadge Hill, the first Black quarterback at Ball State University.

McBride reflected on taking pride in his 2016 induction into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame, having his mother attend, and continuing to wear the ceremonial ring he earned.

“Sports has given me the ability to get out of my comfort zone,” McBride said, observing that he traveled to cities in Spain and while there learned more about the works of 18th century painter Francisco Goya.

“You never stop learning,” McBride said. “Sports gives you the drive to continue”

Before ending the session, McBride, remaining seated, performed a hambone dance, and then stood up to continue the moves with his hands. “This is awesome,” McBride said, noting it’s about bringing joy. He and the other panelists then signed autographs for the students.

Over the course of the day, others, including Wildwood Principal Allison Estes, Tonya McIntyre, the district’s director of curriculum, instruction and assessment and Diane Mercomes, a retired sixth grade teacher, participated in reading books to students.

Rhonda Morrison, the school psychologist, read kindergartners Oge Mora’s “Saturday,” about a mother and daughter and their Saturday routine, animating the action in the picture book and seeking participation from the students, such as when they let out a deep breath together.

For the sixth graders who presented at the morning assembly, there was appreciation for being able to chat with the college representatives and ask them questions.

“I think it was fun to hear the perspective from athletes and from Billy McBride,” Christiano said.

“I thought it was really beautiful,” Syire said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.