September 3, 2003
Dougherty County - It was a parade to encourage elementary students to pick up a book and read. On Wednesday, high school students cheered on the little ones around the block and back.
The beat goes on down East 2nd Avenue in Dougherty County. Seven-year-old Tiauna Smith walks proudly with her Jackson Heights classmates. She says, "Because we're doing a parade."
What an energetic bunch! Cheerleaders walk by screaming, "R-E-A-D ... read!" Jumping up and down for the 25 book campaign.
Their principal, LaZrria Walker, working undercover as Mother Goose so kids open the cover. She explains, "What we want to do today is motivate them as better readers and get pumped up for the whole school year."
Our own Karla Heath-Sands led the reading pack and students of all ages cheered on the little ones. Dougherty High School Band Member, Larry Robinson, says, "It's really good. They really need to get their reading straight because in high school there are a lot of challenges for them."
Each student has until the end of the school year to read 25 or more books. Tiauna adds, "It's fun and I really enjoy it."
Tiauna says she'll reach the goal and if others do the same, they'll have another big celebration.
Three-fourths of Jackson Heights Elementary students met last year's reading goal.
posted at 4:55PM by kathryn.simmons@walb.com
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