Read Across America is a fun event that our school participates in every year.

Sponsored nationwide by the National Education Association (NEA) and held on or around March 2 (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) Read Across America encourages reading through “story, sound, and song.”

Locally organized by librarian Mrs. Erin Bechdel, eight Beaver Area High School students and four middle school students went to College Square Elementary and read to kids grades K-2.

Senior participant Hailey Ziegler exclaimed, “Kindergarten was my favorite, but all the students were very attentive and energetic.” She also said, “Today was a great way to end four years of participation with Read Across America!”

Normally the event does not have a specific theme beyond encouraging reading, but because of the upcoming March 19 FredTalks reading/writing event based on Fred Rogers, this year’s Read Across America activities were linked to Fred Rogers. The students reading to the elementary kids got to choose a book and activity based on his legacy.

Senior Quinn O’Leary stated, “Connecting with kids meant a little extra as a senior. Time really does fly!”