June 6, 2025, KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Oregon Tech student-athletes and Klamath County Rotary volunteers served as the welcoming committee as 800 first graders from the Klamath Basin and surrounding areas came to campus June 5 to participate in Rotary Book Day.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads is a program organized by Rotary for all first graders and is designed to celebrate when students learn to read in first grade.
Klamath Cares Klamath Reads is held once a year before the end of the school year and in addition to event activities, students receive a hardbound book with a special name plate with each student’s name. Oregon Tech was honored to welcome the event to campus June 5.
Opening the event, Dr. Ken Fincher, Oregon Tech Vice President of University Advancement, welcomed the students. “It’s rewarding to imagine many of you soon sitting in these university seats, in our classrooms, and taking part in the meaningful work Oregon Tech students are known for,” he said. “We hope you have a fantastic Oregon Tech Owls Day and enjoy your time with us here today!”
The students gathered in Danny Miles Court for a reading party, featuring music from Jeff and Debbie Plummer, and appearances from Hootie the Owl, Miss America Katie Harmon, Miss Klamath County Payton Idrogo, and more.
“Klamath Cares, Klamath Reads is about showing students that reading builds connection, confidence, and curiosity,” said Cecelia “Cec” Amuchastegui, Rotary leader and Oregon Tech Trustee. “As someone who has spent a lifetime in Klamath Falls classrooms, I hope students walked away from this event feeling seen, supported, and inspired to keep learning.”
Schools represented at the event include: Bonanza Elementary School Chiloquin Elementary School Ferguson Elementary School Gilchrist Elementary School Henley Elementary School Keno Elementary School Klamath Basin Homeschool Klamath Youth Development Center Konger Elementary School Malin Elementary School Merrill Elementary School Mills Elementary School Pelican Elementary School Peterson Elementary School Roosevelt Elementary School Shasta Elementary School Stearns Elementary School Tulelake Elementary School
---
_Submitted by Ashley Van Essen, Public Affairs, Oregon Tech (541-885-1162, ashley.vanessen@oit.edu)._
