On Friday, Read To Succeed celebrated their 10th annual “Reading in the Schools Day” throughout Rutherford County.  Over forty schools participated, reaching more than 25,000 students in Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City schools, private schools, and preschools on this special day set aside to celebrate literacy.

In an effort to connect the community with the classroom, volunteer readers were invited to choose from a selection of books or bring a favorite from home to read aloud to an enthusiastic group of students.  It is a well-established fact that children love to be read to, and on this day, hundreds of parents, grandparents, elected officials, athletes, and community leaders make it a priority to model the love of reading by sharing a good book.

Smyrna mayor Mary Esther Reed visited Stewartsboro Elementary School.  “As a former teacher, I know the importance of reading to our children,” said Reed.  “Reading in the Schools Day is a day I look forward to every year. In fact I could hardly sleep last night because I was so excited about coming to read today.”

State Senator Bill Ketron agreed.  He read to Angela Pope’s class at Erma Siegel Elementary.  “Reading to children is one of the simplest and most important steps a parent can take in ensuring a child’s future in education.”

There was a great deal of excitement over Reading in the Schools Day at the McFadden School of Excellence.  The entire staff dressed up as their favorite book characters, including principal Dr. Clark Blair and SRO Officer Tim Hayes, who dressed as Dr. Seuss’ characters Thing 1 and Thing 2.  Later in the day, Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell read to Kindergarten classes.

At Kittrell Elementary School, the Oakland High School football team read aloud to cheering fans.  Coach Thomas McDaniel said “I’ve been bringing my players in to participate in Reading in the Schools Day since 2008. It’s a great opportunity to give back to their community. They also learn valuable life skills and people skills.”

To prepare for Reading in the Schools Day, volunteer reader Randy Kohal attended Read To Succeed’s Reader Training earlier this month.  He read to Mrs. Siegfried’s class at Campus School.  “It made my day.  I can’t wait until next year.”

Lisa Mitchell, Executive Director of Read To Succeed summed it up best:  “I believe we should all be life-long learners and that literacy skills are the foundation for a successful life.”

Below: MTSU President McPhee reading to children on Friday for Reading in Schools Day

Below: Senator Ketron reading to students on Friday morning during Reading in Schools Day

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To see all the photos from Reading in the Schools Day, visit the Read To Succeed Facebook page.  www.facebook.com/readtosucceedTN?ref=hl