Readers from 2B and 5B participated in "Homer's Reading Program" - an incentive-based literacy promotion sponsored by the Peoria Chiefs baseball team. Students reached individual "base" goals, with the ultimate prize of reaching "home" awarding students with a free ticket to a Chiefs game. To help further motivate the readers, Homer, the Chiefs mascot paid a visit to Hoose to mingle with the students. In addition, Chiefs radio play-by-play voice Nathan Baliva read baseball-themed selections to the students.On game night, the students were treated to a pre-game parade on the field and were announced to the crowd.