Friday's Internet Edition, July 25, 2008.
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Widely-known as author of classic children’s books, such as “The Cat in the Hat,” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, penned and illustrated 44 children’s books, many of which were turned into animated television specials. His work earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 1984, as well as three Academy Awards.
Dr. Seuss died nearly 17 years ago, yet his legacy lives on through the laughter and enjoyment his books still bring to children, and programs such as Read Across America.
Liberty Drive Media Center Coordinator Pamela Turner said Dr. Seuss’s unique way of writing words and verses gets students excited about reading.
“It gives them an insight into word usage, with rhyming of words, the various fun words he made into a funny sentence. They learn about reading through funny rhymes.”
It’s books such as his that help lead children to a love of reading.
“It’s very important for reading to be in their curriculum at Liberty Drive because you can do anything if you know how to read,” said Turner. “The children react with excitement and enjoyment at having a community leader visit their classroom.”
Susie Truell, Thomasville City Schools Board of Education Chair and Liberty Drive volunteer, helps celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the Reading Across America program by donning her colorful “Cat in the Hat” costume — painted whiskers and all.
Susie has been a very conscientious and dedicated leader at Liberty Drive School,” Turner said. “She is sincerely interested in helping our students get an education.”
More commonly known as “Maw” at the school, Truell enjoys the interaction between local leaders and students during Reading Across America day.
“I like to get the community involved with our city schools,” Truell said. “Reading Across America gives our children the opportunity to meet our local city and government officials when they volunteer with the school system.
“Meeting our local dignitaries, such as the mayor, city council members, fire chief, police chief, county commissioners and sheriff really excites and motivates our students.”
After guests read their favorite Dr. Seuss book aloud, students had the opportunity to ask questions of their guest.
Community leaders participating in this year’s program were: Jimmy Chalflinch; City Council members David Yemm, Raleigh York Jr., Scott Styers, Pat Harris Shelton and Ricky Murphy; Kim Coltrane; Marge “Grandma” Hammond; Jessica Dreher; Chris Woods; Doug Croft, Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce president; Thomasville Police Chief Ronald Bratton; Mayor Joe Bennett and his wife Carolyn; Ruby Beasley; Liberty Drive Principal Jeanne Croft; Dolly Hulin, Thomasville Fire Department Life and Public Safety Coordinator; Davidson County Sheriff David Grice; County Commissioner Billy Joe Kepley; Thomasvile City Sschools (TCS) Superintendent Dr. Daniel Cockman; TCS Asstistant Superintendent Keith Tobin; Thomasville High Sschool Principal Dirk Gurley; Edith Kindley; Tammy Stromko; Marie Culbreth, former city council member; Luz Lambeth; Mike Lambeth; and Truell.
Editor Lisa Wall can be reached at 472-9500, ext. 229, or at editor@tvilletimes.com.