NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Blake Koch visited Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Hampton, Ga. on Thursday to celebrate National Read Across America Day. Koch read Dr. Seuss books to elementary school children from kindergarten and fourth-grade classrooms in honor of the author’s birthday.
Both the kids and driver were impressed.
“It’s awesome to see how much these kids are reading and that reading is still so important in schools,” said Koch. “You worry that as times change, reading and especially learning about such great authors like Dr. Seuss get pushed behind. I’m happy that the Read Across America campaign is continuing to promote reading in children and that I could be a part of it today.”
Mt. Carmel Elementary School Principal Sean Thompson said that the kids are read to regularly, but having an athlete like Koch visit them is something that they will not soon forget.
“One of the things we really press with our kids is that someday their learning is going to extend beyond these walls,” said Thompson. “As much as we push reading at the elementary-school level, it’s awesome for them to see that it’s not just that their teachers or parents think it’s important, but a real-life pro athlete is here in the building reading to them and saying it’s important. I know these kids are going to go home tonight excited about reading and will grab a book with their parents and share their experience today with them.”
NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.
Mt. Carmel Elementary School is just miles from Atlanta Motor Speedway, where Koch and the No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection® team will take to the track on Saturday, March 3rd for 163 laps of NASCAR XFINITY Series action. Tune-in via FS1 or listen via Performance Racing Network (PRN) or SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
