Photos were submitted.
By Karla McArthur, Correspondent
GADSDEN, AL — Community leaders partnered with elementary schools in the Gadsden City Schools district Monday to celebrate Read Across America Day, an annual reading initiative created by the National Education Association to encourage children to read.
More than 144 volunteer readers visited elementary classrooms across the district to read to students and promote literacy. Volunteers included staff
from the office of Craig Ford, members and staff of the Gadsden City Schools Board of Education, employees from the Gadsden Public Library and Gadsden State Community College, as well as faculty, administrators and students from Gadsden City High School.
Superintendent Keith Blackwell said he was pleased with the strong community turnout supporting the district’s literacy efforts.
“The feedback we’ve received from our elementary principals shows how meaningful it is to have community 
support in our schools,” Blackwell said. “Seeing the community come together to encourage our children to read is something we truly value.”
Blackwell said the volunteers made a lasting impression on students throughout the district.
“We appreciate the time each reader took out of their day to participate and inspire our students,” he said.
Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. The event is part of a nationwide effort to promote reading and build excitement around books among young learners.
