The Student Education Association (SEA) at Glenville State College hosted a Read Across America Celebration for youngsters in Gilmer County on Thursday evening, March

4th at the Mollohan Campus Community Center.

Now in its eighth year, Read Across America (RAA) is a program of the National Education Association celebrated annually around Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2. Dr. Seuss is the most beloved children’s book author of all time. His use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful and develop a life-long love of reading. RAA generates enthusiasm for reading nationwide and focuses the country’s attention on how important it is to motivate children to read.

The GSC SEA invited all Gilmer County PreK through fourth grade students to attend the celebration. Thirty-nine youngsters enjoyed an evening of reading activities and Dr. Seuss-inspired crafts at four stations. GSC’s Dr. Bob Henry Baber, a published poet, read the participatory story of “The Good Heart of Thunder Pants.” He also recited his poem “Bed Tyme Rhymes.” And of course they sang Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss.

Each student was given a free book from a selection of children’s books. They also received a Dr. Seuss Read Across America Certificate and a copy of the poem “Bed Tyme Rhymes.”

The Read Across America celebration was the fourth community outreach service project conducted by the GSC Student Education Association this school year.