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How two Ursuline seniors turned a love of reading into a calling

How two Ursuline seniors turned a love of reading into a calling

by Shannon Dufresne

For Peyton S ’26 and Lauren C ’26, "A Bear and a Book" began with a simple question: What if we could help children fall in love with reading the way we did?

Both lifelong book lovers, Peyton and Lauren wanted to share that same excitement: the joy of opening a new story, the comfort of a favorite character, and the sense of possibility that comes from turning each page.

What started as an idea between friends in 2023 has grown into a project that has touched nearly 2,000 children in classrooms across the New York metro area.

Each visit begins the same way. The girls arrive at an elementary school, gather a group of young students, read aloud, and then hand each child a bag containing a book and a teddy bear, a “reading buddy” to bring the story to life.

“We wanted to create something special for kids, something that makes reading feel fun and personal,” Peyton said. “Every child deserves that moment when they realize reading can take them anywhere.”

“Even though it is just a small bag with a bear and a book, it means so much to the kids,” Lauren added. “Seeing them smile, hug their bear, and start reading right away is what makes it all worth it.”

This Christmas, you are invited to support their mission by purchasing A Bear and a Book on Amazon. Each copy helps place a story and a moment of wonder in a child's hands. It is a meaningful gift and a beautiful reminder of what happens when young people use their gifts in service to others.

Finding purpose through Serviam

At The Ursuline School, students are encouraged to discover their purpose through service. Peyton and Lauren found theirs in helping children build a love of reading. They see "A Bear and a Book" as a way to share their natural gifts, their creativity, leadership, and compassion, while connecting learning with joy.

“Serviam reminds me to always find ways to give back.”
- Peyton S '26

“Serviam reminds me to always find ways to give back,” Peyton said. “Any idea, no matter how small, can make a big difference if you put it into action.”

“This project lets me serve others through something I love - reading and writing,” Lauren said. “It has taught me that service can start with what already brings you joy.”

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Yonkers City Council recognized Peyton and Lauren in March 2024 for their commitment to literacy, and U.S. Rep. George Latimer later commended them on the congressional floor for their leadership and impact. The girls call these honors both humbling and motivating.

“This project lets me serve others through something I love - reading and writing.”
- Lauren C '26

“Those moments remind us that what we are doing matters,” Peyton said. “But the best recognition still comes from the kids.”

Lessons and leadership

Running a project like A Bear and a Book has stretched their skills in unexpected ways. From fundraising to organizing deliveries, they have learned to lead with creativity and perseverance.

“Since launching this project, I have realized I am capable of more than I thought,” Lauren said. “It has helped me grow as a leader and taught me how powerful teamwork can be.”

Looking ahead and giving back

Now, seniors Peyton and Lauren continue to dream big. They hope to expand A Bear and a Book into new communities and, one day, around the world. Recently, they reached a milestone by publishing their own children’s book, A Bear and a Book, now available on Amazon.

“Writing and publishing our own book felt like the perfect next step,” Lauren said. “It is a way to keep spreading our message that reading can open doors for every child.”

“This project taught me so much about following through,” Peyton said. “If you care about something deeply enough, it can grow into something bigger than you imagined.”

A Christmas invitation

As the Christmas season approaches, Peyton and Lauren hope their story inspires others to pause and reflect on the unique gifts they carry. The interests, talents, and quiet joys that shape who we are can become meaningful acts of love when shared with others. For them, a simple love of reading grew into a way to brighten a child’s world. For someone else, that spark might come from art, sports, music, or a skill that has not yet been discovered. Their journey shows that Serviam begins with a willing heart and grows when we offer our gifts generously. Joy multiplies when it is shared.

📚 A Bear and a Book is available on Amazon HERE. All proceeds directly fund this childhood literacy program.

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