News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 3, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Participates in ‘Read Across America Day’ in Longview

Gov. Gary Locke today observed “Read Across America Day” in Longview. Locke talked with students at St. Helens Elementary School about the importance of reading, and listened as they read a story to him. Education is the governor’s top priority.

“No matter what you want to do in your life, you have to start out by being a good reader,” Locke told the students. “Reading is the key to academic success.”

“Read Across America” is a project of the National Education Association (NEA). Now in its sixth year, “Read Across America” focuses the country's attention on how important it is to motivate children to read in addition to helping them master basic skills. The NEA’s goal for “Read Across America Day” is to have every child in the country reading in the company of a caring adult.

St. Helens Elementary has made great strides in reading, despite language barriers and a high concentration of low-income, transient families. The school has a strong volunteer base of parents and AmeriCorp and community members to help students improve their reading skills.

Related Links:
- Governor's Web site
- National Education Association


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