Read Across America Day is today, March 2nd, but this year Mrs. Shannon Davis’s high school class decided to celebrate a little bit early.  She and her students traveled to the elementary school on Wednesday, December 7th and again on Wednesday, February 8th to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Seniors Andy Beam, Dustin Farabaugh, Kent Green, Ethan Naylor, Kara Weyant, juniors David Conrad, Beverly Eirich, sophomore Frankie McElwain, and freshman Kaitilyn Kisamore were “guest readers” in the preschool classes.

Each of Davis’ students chose a different book, or books, to read to the preschool class. Of course Dr. Seuss books were the most popular, but there were others such as Pete the Cat, Corduroy, I Love my White Shoes, and If You Give a Moose a Muffin.

All of the students had a great time and said they would gladly do it again.

“They were a great audience,” said junior David Conrad, “The second group had a hard time sitting still. They liked how we dressed for Wacky Wednesday.”

The event was just one part of Read Across America Week in the elementary school. Monday was The Places You’ll Go Day, during which students wore a shirt from a place they traveled. Tuesday was Crazy Sock Day. On Wacky Wednesday the students all wore crazy, mismatch outfits and “wear green” day, in honor of the classic Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham, was Thursday.

Mrs. Davis’s students also dressed up for the occasion.

All of the students, both young and old, had a great time.

“They had smiles on their faces and they had a great time. When I read to them, their faces brightened my day,” said senior Kara Weyant.

The preschoolers gave their utmost attention and respect to Mrs. Davis’s students. Of course, what preschooler doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? The preschool students also asked many questions and immediately warmed up to their guest readers.

“They were nervous at first, but then they got used to me. We became friends very quickly,” said freshman Kaitilyn Kisamore.

“My favorite part of reading to the kids was having fun with them and making them laugh,” said senior Ethan Naylor.

Many of the readers has similar responses to their favorite part, like going to the preschool, asking them questions, and just simply reading to them.

Simple acts of kindness like this is what makes our school such a strong community, and celebrating Read Across America is another way to show kids that reading is such a necessity in life.

But most of all, it shows reading can be fun and take kids to so many new places.