Read Across America

South Pasadena students participate in program that celebrates reading and bolsters a connection between schools

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com| Among those enjoying Read Across America were students in Jill Reddy’s kindergarten class at Arroyo Vista Elementary School on Friday.

South Pasadena elementary schools celebrated reading and legacy left behind by the late children’s author Dr. Seuss during a Read Across America celebration on Friday.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Al “The Bull” Ferrara, who made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 1963, autographed pictures for Arroyo Vista Elementary School students on Friday during the Read Across America celebration.

Organizers say the event was an opportunity to celebrate reading, and to bolster the connection between local schools and community at large. City Council members, school district officials, business owners, authors and even a former Dodger player were among those who read children’s books to the students.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com Bob Boyle, an Emmy Award-winning creator of “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” a hit animated hit TV series, entertained students in the multipurpose room at Arroyo Vista Elementary School.

Signing photos at Arroyo Vista Elementary School was Alfred John “The Bull” Ferrara Jr., a major leaguer from 1963 to 1971, who launched his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

- Advertisement -
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com Arroyo Vista Elementary School students inside the multipurpose room enjoyed a presentation by Bob Boyle, the creator of “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” an American educational children’s animated television series, which premiered on August 28, 2006 on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. and concluded on February 21, 2010.

Presented by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for children to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Arroyo Vista Elementary School Principal Cheryl Busick center is joined by a group of smiling students.

In 1997, NEA pushed for a special day to celebrate reading throughout the country and it proved to be a popular one. Now in its 21st year, the organization is building a nation of readers through its signature program – Read Across America.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | U.S. Army Major Edward Riffle read to students in Heather Jara’s class at Arroyo Vista Elementary School.