Students at David Leech Elementary School got a visit from a special guest Thursday afternoon during their Read Across America week.
On the heels of her last morning broadcast, newly retired WTAE news anchor Michelle Wright made her second appearance at the elementary school to read to students. Children ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade crowded into the school’s auditorium to hear Wright, 60, read “The Day the Crayons Quit,” by Drew Daywalt.
As Wright flipped through the pages, she received cheers and laughs from the kids. The story’s pages were projected on the screen behind her.
She spoke to students about her passion for reading.
“I think reading opens a lot of doors,” Wright said. “The more you read, the more you know, and that can make all the difference in your life. I think by setting an example of my love of reading and openly talking about it, I’m hoping to spark an interest in these kids.”
After the book was finished, Wright opened the floor to questions. Students asked her about everything from her favorite color and her favorite book, to her unique hobby — beekeeping.
The questions are what Wright said she’ll miss the most.
“It’s just fascinating to try to get into the minds of the kids and what they’re interested in and what they want to share with me,” Wright.
Wright said reading is not only a source of learning for her, but a stress reliever as well.
“(Reading) can take them away to another place in time and relieve a lot of stress. I think that’s a wonderful thing about reading.”
Wright said she’s participated in dozens of Read Across America events over her 30 years at WTAE.
Second grade math teacher Mary Deemer has known Wright for years. Both women and Leechburg Area School Director Candi Stewart are members of the Bookburgh book club. Deemer first invited Wright to the school’s Read Across America celebration last year.
While that wasn’t the first time the school celebrated Read Across America, it was the first time a guest read to the students.
“That was so exciting,” Deemer said. “I think it’s awesome that they can see someone who’s a celebrity and that’s so relatable to tell them reading is important, that math is important, that those life skills are important.”
Deemer said Wright’s readings have helped students learn to be comfortable asking questions and that it’s OK to make mistakes.
“I think it’s good for (the students) to see positive role models that encourage reading and show them that reading is important and a true life skill,” Deemer said.
Because of Wright’s recent retirement, she said this will likely be her last time participating a Read Across America storytime.
“I’ll be happy to come back,” she said. “But the thing is, since I just retired, it’s probably time for them to get someone who’s on the air, and the kids can see on the news.”
Deemer said she wants to continue the event, but isn’t sure who will be reading next year.
In 1998 the National Education Association started Read Across America. Today, an estimated 45 million people participate nationwide.
The rest of the David Leech students’ Read Across America week includes wearing funny hats, mustaches in tribute to the Dr. Suess character The Lorax, and a pajama day on Friday.