Leader photo/JOHN R. SCHIRMER
READING WEEK. Superintendent Doug Graham reads a declaration of Read Across America Week at Nashville Junior High School. Graham spoke to students Monday morning about the value of reading and encouraged them to become lifelong readers.

Leader photo/JOHN R. SCHIRMER
READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK. Nashville Junior High School teachers and students join Superintendent Doug Graham Monday for a Read Across America Week program. The group includes English teacher Holli Boyett, English teacher Tammy Alexander, Hayden Butler, Klaire Howard, Dreshaunna Benson, Aaysha Hollins, Jordan Conant, Kaden Peebles, Bailey Hile, Kaycee Patrick, Morgan Carcia, Dave Murphy, Superintendent Doug Graham, Assistant Principal Latito Williams, Principal Deb Tackett, Sadie Prejean, Lyndsay Bennett, Maddie Horton, Mckayla Vines and Alli Davis.

Leader photo/JOHN R. SCHIRMER
AT JUNIOR HIGH. Students from NJHS English classes listen to Superintendent Doug Graham’s presentation Monday. They came from classes taught by Jerry Baker, Ashley Riggs and Tammy Alexander.

Nashville Junior High School kicked off Read Across America Week with a program for a group of students from various English classes.

Superintendent Doug Graham encouraged the students to become lifelong readers. “Be awesome. Be a book nut. I hope by the activities of this week that you’ll become a book nut.”

Graham said one of his favorite authors is John Grisham. “He’s written over 25 novels; I’ve read all of them. My wife has an easy birthday or Christmas gift list for me. Get the new Grisham book,” he said.

Graham recommended Grisham novels Calico Joe and The Bleachers. “Calico Joe is a great book. You football guys should read The Bleachers. It puts a face on somebody in Nashville,” he said.

Assistant Superintendent Joe Kell is an avid reader, Graham told the students. “He reads at least a book a week. Mr. Kell is one of my greatest resources for books.”

Graham said that some of the “most intelligent people I know love to read,” including Coach Frank Puryear and Coach Willie Click.

“There are a couple of things I hope you’ll do after you get out of school. One is to learn to enjoy a lifelong sport. You probably won’t be playing football when you’re 25. Find something to keep you active – tennis, golf, walking, running. Keep active and keep your health in order.

“The other thing is to become a lifelong reader,” Graham said, emphasizing points he had made earlier.

Graham read a poem entitled “Read Across America.” The text may be found on this page.

“March 1 is Read Across America Day. I hope you enjoy this Friday and enjoy the 109th birthday of Dr. Seuss,” he said.

Principal Deb Tackett thanked Graham and NJHS teachers who are working on activities for the week, including Tammy Alexander, Holli Boyett, Shirley Blakely, Deb Wallis, Ashley Riggs, Jerry Baker and Tammy Elliott.

The school will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Friday with a special cake. Community leaders will visit the school during the day with some of their favorite books in hand. Reading areas will be set up in the lobby for the guests to sit and read.

Students and teachers likely will dress as Dr. Seuss characters during Friday’s activities.

Read Across America

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild,

To pick up a book and read with a child.

You’re never too busy, too cool, or too hot,

To pick up a book and share what you’ve got.

In schools and communities,

Let’s gather around,

Let’s pick up a book,

Let’s pass it around.

There are kids all around you,

Kids who will need

Someone to hug,

Someone to read.

Come join us March 1st

In your own special way

And make this America’s

Read to Kids Day.