Dougherty CSO and Lanier CSO: Read Across America Day 2017

Photos and support from District Ten Director Steven Mancuso. Article by Maria Rondel of the Department of Communications

Recently, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) took part in Read Across America Day 2017. Staff members from the Dougherty and Lanier Community Services Offices (Dougherty CSO and Lanier CSO) participated by volunteering to read to students from the Lamar Reese Magnet School of the Arts in Albany and the Lanier County Primary School in Lakeland.

Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration coordinated by the National Education Association (NEA) that takes place on the birthday of famed children's author Dr. Seuss. Each year, thousands of schools, libraries and community centers bring the joy of reading and books to local youth.

This year, DJJ staff members (all JPPS II) Afiya Askew, Linfred Davis and Tabitha Watson helped to make Read Across America a success in south Georgia. By reading stories and leading a discussion on the books read, the Dougherty and Lanier CSO staff sparked imaginations and encouraged reading as a worthwhile pursuit.

Following the success of this year's Read Across America Day, DJJ plans on bringing in more volunteers to staff additional schools across the state next year.

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child." – Dr. Seuss

JPPS II Afiya Askew

JPPS II Linfred Davis

JPPS II Tabitha Watson