Georgia’s First Lady Mrs. Sandra Deal visited and read to students at L.O. Kimberly in the Ben Carson Reading Room as part of her “Read Across America” initiative to promote literacy. The students were visibly excited but very attentive as the First Lady read to them. L.O. Kimberly was honored to be selected as one of the school’s on the First Lady’s tour and administrators, staff, and students were excited to have such a distinguished guest read in their Ben Carson Reading Room which opened December 5, 2011.
The whole school was involved in the program for L. O. Kimberly’s Elementary School Reading Room Opening. The ceremony began with students dancing to “Gotta Keep Reading” and enthusiastically waving books in the air. Next, adorable pre-schoolers held up Dr. Carson’s acrostic, THINK BIG, and recited from memory the meaning of each letter. The LOK Journalism Club, initiated by a few precocious 5th graders, put together a video podcast with an interview of a student portraying Dr. Ben Carson. His sage words could almost have been directly from Dr. Carson’s mouth, evidenced by the young man’s recitation of facts.
Dr. Carson addressed the audience via video, sharing his insights for success in life including the idea, “the person who has the most to do with what happens to you, is you!” Dr. Carson concluded by expressing his appreciation and gratitude for Delta’s Generosity in funding the reading room and to the educators and volunteers who made it all possible.
Barry Matthews of Delta Air Lines shared information on the academic outreach programs funded by Delta and expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the students and volunteers as well as the opportunity for Delta to be part of this venture.
Remarks by Candy Carson included the story of the rise of a young man from dire poverty, whose father would chastise him for reading, to becoming the chief editor of the most widely distributed magazine in the world.
Principal Hall graciously thanked everyone involved in the development of this special project and presented beige tote bags to the honored guests, decorated with children’s handprints in primary colors and pictures of the reading room in exterior pockets.
The room is decorated with murals depicting all parts of America, designed to encourage students to consider the possibilities available for those who take advantage of opportunities. We sincerely thank Delta Air Lines for sponsoring this Reading Room.
Enter Kimberly Elementary’s Ben Carson Reading Room and explore the possibilities!
