Faculty, staff and students from WVU Potomac State College joined the festivities at Keyser Primary School as celebrity readers for Read Across America Week, sharing their love of books and literacy with young students.
The weeklong celebration, which promotes the joy and importance of reading, welcomed the PSC community as they engaged with children through storytelling and interactive activities.
“It was such a rewarding experience getting to know the kids in such a short period of time and hearing all their stories that related to the book we read was so much fun,” said Marissa House, a student at PSC. “The giggles and conversations I had with them were super special.”
Throughout the week, volunteers visited classrooms to read beloved children’s books and spark the imaginations of Keyser Primary’s eager listeners. Their participation supported the mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.
“We were thrilled to partner with Potomac State College. It was a joyous week and a fantastic celebration of reading and community,” said Juli Ravenscroft, a library teacher at Keyser Primary School. “Employees, students and staff brought stories to life in our classrooms, PAWS the mascot spread joy with bookmarks and President Wallace inspired our students by sharing his own story.”
The experience was equally rewarding for the volunteers.
“Participating in Read Across America Week was such a great experience. Seeing each grade level’s reactions to PAWS, the guest readers and the stories being read was a great way to kick off each morning,” said Kara Hotchkiss, director of residence life.
“I started each day by asking the students why they felt reading is important, and a very common answer was that reading helps you learn and go to college. As a professional in higher education, it is rewarding to know students are excited for a future full of learning,” Hotchkiss added.
The end of the week was capped off with a visit from Potomac State College President Jerry Wallace and his dog, Ace. Wallace presented his book “Ace the Mighty Goes to Knight School” to K-4 students, highlighting the collaboration between the Cougars and the Catamounts.
“Ace’s story highlights a small dog with grit, determination and perseverance. Throughout the story Ace is doubted but keeps a positive attitude and never gives up. Ace’s three rules for students to remember include — that reading is fun, to try your best and never give up, and to always be kind,” Wallace said.
Read Across America Week, celebrated annually in early March, honors the birthday of Dr. Seuss and encourages communities across the nation to embrace reading. The partnership between Potomac State College and Keyser Primary School exemplifies the spirit of this initiative, bringing different generations together through the magic of books.