In honor of 'Read Across America Day,' a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually for Dr. Seuss' birthday, the Los Angeles Rams and Pizza Hut teamed up to visit two local elementary schools on Monday, March 2. As part of the festivities, Rams Defensive Lineman SEBASTIAN JOSEPH-DAY, Cheerleaders, team mascot Rampage, and members of the front office staff read to students in Inglewood and Westlake Village.

Less than 10 miles from the Rams practice facility, Joseph-Day surprised students at Westlake Hills Elementary and read some iconic Dr. Seuss books as a way to emphasize the importance of reading at a young age.

"Rampage and I came in, surprised students and read to them. It was awesome to see the expressions on their faces," said Joseph-Day. "To see the young kids enjoy someone simply reading a book to them and the effect it has, it's an awesome feeling."

Across the street from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Cheerleaders and Rampage went classroom to classroom engaging youth in the joy of reading. Students were also treated to a pizza party following their classroom readings courtesy of Pizza Hut. The excitement of Kelso students was on display as many dressed up for the occasion, some in their Dr. Seuss hats and others in Rams gear.

"Students were ecstatic when they found out the Rams were coming to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with them," said Kelso Elementary principal, Irene Green. "They dressed up and showed support for the Rams and their celebration with them on campus. Students absolutely loved seeing Rampage in their rooms for readings."

Additionally, in partnership with First Book, the Rams provided a $3,000 grant to Kelso Elementary so nearly 450 students could take home a book of their own.

"Our students were grateful for the books," said Principal Green. "Our students had to 'drop everything and read' at school, and they immediately pulled out their donated books and began reading with enthusiasm."

First Book aims to remove barriers to quality education for all kids by making everything from new, high-quality books and educational resources to sports equipment. The organization has distributed more than 185 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving low-income communities in more than 30 countries.

The school visits were part of the Rams' monthly Staff Day of Service program. Each month, the team's front office staff takes time out of the office to volunteer with local schools and non-profit organizations. Since returning home to Los Angeles, Rams staff members have provided more than 1,100 hours of community service in the Inglewood community and engaged 13 Inglewood Unified School District schools and students of all grade levels in community programs.

For more information about the Rams' community outreach initiatives, please visit www.therams.com/community.