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Roland Banks, El Centro Public Library librarian, reads to an eighth-grade class at Heber Elementary School during the Read Across America event Friday. (PHOTO COURTESY OF EUNICE MORENO / March 2, 2013) |
HEBER — As Reading Across America passes through the Imperial Valley, many students are not only learning the importance of reading, but seeing the positive affect it can have on their future.
At Heber Elementary School, more than 30 individuals from various agencies such as the El Centro Sector Border Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and Imperial Valley College read books to the fourth- through eighth-grade students.
After many of the presenters finished reading their books, they also took the time to share about their respective careers.
Imperial County Sheriff Raymond Loera said his love of books made him want to participate in the event.
“I’m an avid reader, so I hope the students could feel the enthusiasm that I had,” he said. “I think this event is important to celebrate because it shows them that reading can be fun at any age.”
Alexa Martinez said she enjoyed hearing a story from the Mayor of El Centro, Benjamin Soloman.
“I like Reading Across America because we get to celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday,” Alexa, a 10-year-old fifth-grader said. “My favorite book is ‘Cat in the Hat.’”
Despite being in eighth grade, Mark Acevedo said he still enjoyed the event and the guest readers.
“I think it’s a good event to have because it promotes literacy, which is important,” Mark, a 13-year-old student said. “I enjoy reading so this is fun for me.”
Fellow classmate Jasmine Sanchez said she also enjoys reading and understands the importance of the event now that she is older.
“Reading helps us with everything,” said Jasmine, a 13-year-old eighth grader. “Right now we’re doing word problems in math and if we didn’t know how to read we wouldn’t be able to do the problems.”
Newly appointed IVC board trustee Juanita Salas said she was happy to see the students so enthusiastic about reading.
“I read to a group of eighth-graders, so I just talked to them a little bit about college and how reading will help them get there,” she said. “I think this is a great event because the students get the opportunity to see all these amazing community leaders and learn the importance of literacy.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
At Heber Elementary School, more than 30 individuals from various agencies such as the El Centro Sector Border Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office and Imperial Valley College read books to the fourth- through eighth-grade students.
After many of the presenters finished reading their books, they also took the time to share about their respective careers.
Imperial County Sheriff Raymond Loera said his love of books made him want to participate in the event.
“I’m an avid reader, so I hope the students could feel the enthusiasm that I had,” he said. “I think this event is important to celebrate because it shows them that reading can be fun at any age.”
Alexa Martinez said she enjoyed hearing a story from the Mayor of El Centro, Benjamin Soloman.
“I like Reading Across America because we get to celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday,” Alexa, a 10-year-old fifth-grader said. “My favorite book is ‘Cat in the Hat.’”
Despite being in eighth grade, Mark Acevedo said he still enjoyed the event and the guest readers.
“I think it’s a good event to have because it promotes literacy, which is important,” Mark, a 13-year-old student said. “I enjoy reading so this is fun for me.”
Fellow classmate Jasmine Sanchez said she also enjoys reading and understands the importance of the event now that she is older.
“Reading helps us with everything,” said Jasmine, a 13-year-old eighth grader. “Right now we’re doing word problems in math and if we didn’t know how to read we wouldn’t be able to do the problems.”
Newly appointed IVC board trustee Juanita Salas said she was happy to see the students so enthusiastic about reading.
“I read to a group of eighth-graders, so I just talked to them a little bit about college and how reading will help them get there,” she said. “I think this is a great event because the students get the opportunity to see all these amazing community leaders and learn the importance of literacy.”
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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