Bush Stresses Importance of Reading for Children
Peoria,
Sep 13 -
By KAREN McDONALD (kmcdonald@pjstar.com)
Journal Star
Posted Sep 13, 2010 @ 10:12 PM
Former first lady Laura Bush issued a challenge to some 500 children Monday: Read 30 minutes a day.
"Reading is the most important skill you will ever learn," she said.
With her soft Texas drawl and quiet but powerful demeanor, Bush easily commanded attention from students who successfully completed a summer reading program sponsored by U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock.
"There are a lot of things you might rather do: watch TV or be on the computer," Bush told the kids. "See if you can't read as much as you watch television. . . . If you can read, well then, you can do well in every single subject in school."
As first lady from January 2001 to January 2009, Bush said she visited towns around the world in part to promote literacy and education. "Every time I visited a city, I would visit a school and meet young people. You know what they all had in common? They all liked to read."
The stop at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center was one of several in the area for Bush on Monday. There was a book signing at Barnes & Noble for her memoir, "Spoken from the Heart," and fundraiser later Monday for Schock, R-Peoria, at the home of Caterpillar Inc. CEO Doug Oberhelman and wife, Diane Cullinan Oberhelman. The fundraiser, which was closed to the media, is the only such event Bush is doing this year.
Peorian Jonathan Kilkenny said the experience at the RiverPlex was unforgettable. His daughter, 6-year-old Grace Kilkenny, participated in Schock's reading program and got invited to the party.
"I told Grace she'll remember this for the rest of her life. Most people won't get to do this ever in their life. It's a real honor for Peoria and all the kids who got to experience it," Kilkenny said. "I don't know that the kids know now how important this is. . . . It's something you don't really expect to see or do."
During her appearance, Bush read her book, "Read All About It," which was co-authored by daughter Jenna Bush, a teacher. The facility was transformed in anticipation of the reading party and former first lady with stage lights, a sound system and risers taking over the gymnasium.
Bush also took a few questions from students, who asked how former President George Bush is doing, how many shotguns he has, what her favorite book is and what she misses the most about the White House. The event was open to area children who read at least 15 books during their summer break.
"I think that seeing someone of that magnitude coming would inspire (children) to continue reading. This program is a good way to keep kids reading," said retired District 150 principal Aurthur Perkins. "I think her message was good and right on target for the children."
A former teacher and librarian, Bush has championed health, education and literacy throughout her life, including partnering with the Library of Congress to found the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Schock started his reading program when he was state representative in 2004; it is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade in all 20 counties in the 18th Congressional District.
"She's a woman who's done more for literacy and education than most people I know in America," Schock said.
Karen McDonald can be reached at 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.
Copyright 2010 pjstar.com. Some rights reserved
|
