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Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904. The "commitment to youth literacy live on to this day and are celebrated annually in Yonkers around his birthday," representatives said. City Council President Liam McLaughlin, Council Member Corazon Pineda, Westchester County Legislator Virginia Perez and Westchester County Legislator Bernice Spreckman attended the eighth annual Read Across America celebration at Yonkers School 23.
“It is important to me as a parent to celebrate the joy of reading with my son as often as I can,” McLaughlin said. “Like Dr. Seuss said, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ "
McLaughlin brought his copies of "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Oh the Places You’ll Go!" to read to the children.
“Dr. Seuss has inspired generations and his works will continue to unleash the power of our imaginations,” he said.
“My public education helped me get where I am today, with a strong foundation of reading skills,” Pineda said. “That foundation began with youth literacy programs like Read Across America. I want to promote those same values that were instilled in me and I am proud to support this program to help make the children of Yonkers the best readers they can be.”
Read Across America Day is sponsored by the National Education Association and promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of our children. Dignitaries from around Westchester came to read to the children, including District Attorney Janet Difiore, County Clerk Tim Idoni, and Legislators Spreckman and Perez.
“If there is one thing that we all have in common, it’s the love of reading and the wonderful places the stories take our imaginations to,” Perez said. “There are so many books that have spanned generations and have enlightened children from all walks of life. As a County Legislator representing Yonkers, I can’t think of a better way to spend my morning then reading with my littlest constituents.”
Read Aloud Day also teaches the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories, and teaches children, teens and adults to celebrate the power of words, school officials said.
“I’m thrilled that my office is once again participating in this wonderful event - it is so important to instill a love of reading in our young people and by celebrating Dr. Seuss, who my kids loved reading when they were younger and now my little grandchildren enjoy,” Spreckman said. “Reading together makes it a fun and exciting day for all those participating.”
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