Kristi Yamaguchi Inspires Students Through Reading

From Olympic Gold to Giving Back: Kristi Yamaguchi Inspires Students Through Reading and Kindness

A California elementary school recently welcomed a very special guest—one whose impact now goes far beyond the ice rink.

Kristi Yamaguchi, an Olympic gold medalist and longtime literacy advocate, visited Hazel Strauch Elementary School to share a message centered on kindness, reading, and opportunity.

A Champion in a New Arena

Inside the Sacramento school’s cafeteria, students gathered for an end-of-year celebration that quickly turned into something more meaningful.

Yamaguchi read from her children’s book, “Cara’s Kindness,” a story focused on friendship and the simple ways children can make a difference in each other’s lives.

“I don’t think kids can hear it enough about how easy it is to be kind or to be a good friend,” she told students. “And like good karma, it will come back to you.”

Building a Foundation Through Literacy

Beyond the visit, Yamaguchi’s nonprofit, Always Dream, is making a lasting impact through its Always Reading program.

The initiative provides underserved students with both physical books and digital tools designed to strengthen literacy skills—along with resources to engage families at home.

At Hazel Strauch Elementary, that support included tablets loaded with library apps, giving students access to thousands of books for both classroom learning and personal reading.

Reaching Thousands of Students

Yamaguchi shared that the program now serves about 40 schools and nearly 6,000 students each year.

But the mission goes beyond access to books.

“It’s really about involving the primary caregivers at home,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of reading together and building habits that support long-term academic success.

A Moment Students Won’t Forget

For many students, the visit was both exciting and inspiring.

They had the chance to ask questions, take photos, and even hear stories about Yamaguchi’s Olympic journey—something that resonated especially during an Olympic year.

The day ended with a surprise: students were told they could take home their own copy of “Cara’s Kindness” and continue using their tablets—so long as they kept reading.

More Than a Visit

For school leaders, the moment underscored a bigger truth.

Strong reading skills—and encouragement from caring adults—can shape a child’s future.

And sometimes, it takes a role model who’s reached the highest level of success to remind students that kindness and learning are just as powerful as any gold medal.