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(Lincoln, NE) First Lady Sally Ganem and Gov. Dave Heineman made a visit to Howard Elementary School in Grand Island today to read to children as part of the Read for 2007 initiative sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs.
Read for 2007 is a worldwide campaign that celebrates the importance of reading and helps students to discover the joys of reading. The annual event is in its eighth year. More than 100 schools in Nebraska are participating in this year’s campaign.
Each year the First Lady joins with first spouses in other states to serve as an "Ambassador of Reading." As part of the effort, Scholastic Book Clubs is donating 500 children’s books for distribution in Nebraska. The First Lady selected three elementary schools to receive this year’s donation. In addition to Howard Elementary, she will visit Conestoga Magnet School in Papillion on Monday, Dec. 11 to deliver books and spend time reading to students, and plans to visit Goldenrod Hill Head Start in Wisner at a later date.
Ganem said, "As a former teacher, literacy is an important issue to me and I’m pleased that many Nebraska classrooms are joining the millions of children and adults who are taking part in this year’s event. Reading is a critical part of every child’s education, so I encourage everyone to set aside time to share a book with a child this week and in the coming year. Read for 2007 should not be a one-day event, but part of a life-long love of reading."
Gov. Heineman said, "My hope is that this program reminds every Nebraskan how important it is to read with children. This event should be a reminder to us all that inspiring a passion for reading is one of the best gifts we can give our children. Reading is one of the most powerful paths to learning, and I urge everyone to make time to read with a child."
More information about Read for 2007 is available at http://www.scholastic.com.
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