First Lady Mary Perdue Leads Statewide Efforts for Read Across America Day

Atlanta - Carrying a family favorite copy of Miss Twiggley's Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox, First Lady Mary Perdue today traveled around the state sharing the importance and joys of reading with Georgia's students. Mrs. Perdue, honorary chairwoman for Georgia's 2003 Read Across America events, will travel to five schools today and four schools tomorrow.

Read Across America, a project of the National Education Association (NEA), is the nation's largest one-day literary celebration. The Georgia Association of Educators serves as the project's statewide coordinating sponsor. In its sixth year, Read Across America is held each year to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, author of numerous children's books.

"I am honored to serve as Georgia's honorary chairwoman and participate in such a meaningful event," said Mrs. Perdue. "Reading continues to bring both knowledge and joy into the lives of children and adults. I am pleased to join with GAE and other organizations to help spread the word about reading, an activity that never loses its relevance or popularity."

Mrs. Perdue is scheduled to visit the following schools on Monday, March 3, 2003:

• Monroe Elementary School (Monroe), 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
• Creekside Elementary School (Milledgeville), 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• Trinity Christian School (Dublin), 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Bleckley Elementary School (Cochran), 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
• Bonaire Middle School (Bonaire), 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mrs. Perdue is scheduled to visit the following schools on Tuesday, March 4, 2003:

• Pine Forest Elementary School (Marietta), 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
• Heards Ferry Elementary School (Atlanta), 9:45 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
• Mimosa Elementary School (Roswell), 11:00 a.m. -11:45 a.m.
• Ashford Park Elementary School (Atlanta), 12:45 p.m. -1:30 p.m.