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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman signed a proclamation today declaring Thursday, March 2, as Read Across America Day in Nebraska. The Governor visited Maxey Elementary in Lincoln to read to second graders and greet students, joined by one of Dr. Seuss’s most famous characters, the Cat in the Hat.
“Reading is critical to every child’s growth and ultimately to their success,” Gov. Heineman said. “This event should be a reminder to all Nebraskans that inspiring a passion for reading is one of the best gifts we can give our children. My hope is that thousands of Nebraskans will join those taking part in this year’s event across the country.”
Read Across America Day is a national campaign that celebrates the fun and value of reading. The annual event is sponsored by the National Education Association and is in its ninth year.
First Lady Sally Ganem said, “As a former teacher, literacy is an important issue to me and I’m pleased Nebraska classrooms are joining the millions of children and adults around the world who are taking part in this year’s Read Across America event. This should be the start of a life-long love of reading for our children, so I encourage everyone to set aside time this week to share a book with a child.”
The First Lady and Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy also will join students in several Nebraska communities to celebrate reading through out the week. The First Lady will visit the students of Wahoo Elementary, Blair Community Schools, Blumfield Elementary in Ralston, in addition to Howard Elementary in Fremont, where she had been principal until her retirement last year. Lt. Gov. Sheehy is scheduled to read to students of Seward Elementary, Bancroft Elementary in Omaha and Alcott Elementary in Hastings.
Read Across America Day falls on former children’s book author Dr. Seuss’s birthday. It is an opportunity to honor the good doctor and encourage readers of all ages to pick up a book and read. More information Read Across America is available online at http://www.nea.org/readacross.
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