Approximately 35 Airmen from March Air Reserve Base participated in the 15th annual Read Across America Day program, at the John F. Kennedy Elementary school and four other local schools, March 1. Each member was assigned to several classrooms for a “celebration of reading,” in which they read their favorite children’s book and cast votes for the “Best Door” contest.
This reading motivation and awareness program was first organized by the National Education Association in 1997 and held its first event on March 2, 1998. It was designed to promote reading among all ages and to encourage community engagement with the school system. Local professionals, parents and university students from around the Inland Empire joined in to impress upon the importance of reading and to send the message that it could also be fun.
Read Across America, coincides with the birthday of Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, acclaimed children’s book author and favorite among schools and children across America.
“This is not my first year volunteering for the Read Across America program,” said Senior Master Sgt. Tammy Haro, 752d Medical Squadron. “I come back year after year because I truly appreciate the value of reading and how it helps our kids grow into positive adults — plus, I think I get more enjoyment out of it than the kids.They did a great job decorating their doors — I couldn’t pick just one.” (U.S. Air Force photo / Darnell Gardner)
