March 2 marked the beginning of the National Education Association’s (NEA’s) “Read Across America” campaign. Across the country, events were being sponsored to help emphasize the importance of and love of reading to children. The First Book chapter of UC-RWC, in support of “Read Across America,” sponsored “Our Heroes READ.” (First Book is a non-profit organization whose single mission is to give low income children the opportunity to read and own their first books)
At the kickoff on March 2 and the remainder of that week, UC President Dr. Nancy Zimpher, RWC Dean Delores Straker, UC Vice-President Dr. Mitchel Livingston, and a host of other administrators, faculty, and staff signed children’s books with their name and title to encourage young people to read for success in life. Theseeducators signed over 200 books, many of which were distributed later on March 19 at Kenwood Towne Center to young children.
Each educator’s name and title was showcased on an “Our Heroes READ” board. Each child who chose a free book was invited to sign his or her name and what he or she wanted to become on an “Our Future Heroes” board. These boards further helped emphasize the importance of and the joy of reading in life.
With the involvement of teachers, principals, and college faculty and staff at this community event, First Book UC-RWC plans a continuation of the “Our Heroes READ” activity next year.
For additional information about First Book, contact Helen Kegler, RWC Director of Multi-Cultural Affairs in Muntz Hall, Room 125.