Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 6, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

First Lady Mona Locke and Major League Pitcher Jamie Moyer Pitch the Importance of Reading to Schoolchildren in Seattle

First Lady Mona Locke and Major League Baseball pitcher Jamie Moyer told hundreds of elementary school students today that reading is the key to all academic success. Locke and Moyer took part in Scholastic Book Clubs’ “Read For 2003,” the fourth annual global classroom “read-a-thon,” at Wing Luke Elementary School in Seattle.

Thirty gubernatorial first spouses across the nation today led students and teachers in celebrating the power of reading, joining participants from 68 countries around the globe. At noon in their local time zones, students read books together for 2003 seconds (about 30 minutes). Locke and Moyer also participated in last year’s event.

“Jamie and I are thrilled to lead Washington’s celebration of student reading,” Locke told a packed school assembly. “If you read well, you can learn anything. You can study how to be a doctor, an engineer, a firefighter, a governor or even a major league pitcher like Jamie Moyer!”

Locke also read a proclamation from the governor, saying, “We, on behalf of Governor Locke, declare December 6 ‘Read for 2003: United We Read Day.’” Education is the governor’s top priority.

Locke and Moyer also donated 300 books to Wing Luke Elementary on behalf of Scholastic Book Clubs.

Prior to the assembly, Locke, Moyer and his wife, Karen, read books to first- and second-grade students in the school library. The Mariner Moose was also on hand to encourage kids to read.

The Moyers attended the event on behalf of the Moyer Foundation, which offers encouragement, comfort and support to children and families in times of distress.

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Related Links:
- Governor's Web Site
- Scholastic Web Site
- Moyer Foundation

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