Dr. Seuss' birthday an occasion to 'Read Across America'

Intermountain Catholic

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Among the guests at St. Francis Xavier Regional School's celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday were readers Cammie Kirkham of Border's Books, who brought along a friend to help illustrate ?Give a Pig a Pancake,? IC photos by Barbara S. Lee

KEARNS — Students and teachers at St. Francis Xavier Regional School in Kearns take reading very seriously, and when a momentous day like the birthday of Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel comes around, it reminds the students that it’s a good day to read a book.

Participating in the National Education Association’s "Read Across America" Program, the school invited parents, religious and civic leaders, and ordinary people to come to the school and share their favorite books by reading to the students.

Students heard from dog owners who brought their dogs along for the day, including Allen Crist, a K-9 policeman and his bloodhound, Wyatt Earp; KUTV Newsman Peter Rosen, Father John B. Hart of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Father Rob Moriarty of St. Francis Xavier Parish, Holy Cross Sister Patricia Reilly of the Diocesan Office of Diaconate Formation, and Daughter of Charity Sister Stella Marie Zahner of the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.

Cammie Kirkham of Border’s Books brought a six-foot pig along to illustrate her book selection, "Give a Pig a Pancake." Readers also came from Juan Diego Catholic High School.

Judge Memorial Catholic High School theater students presented a reader’s theater production featuring children’s books, and drama students from West Jordan High School presented production selections from "Seussical," a musical comedy based on the books of Dr. Seuss.

Kay Fassio, who has grandchildren attending St. Francis Xavier School, also read to students.

Principal Nancy Essary said it was a busy day, "but it was exciting and fun."

The students were receptive to the day, which has become an annual event. They seemed to like the break in the routine, and enjoyed having dogs to pet, new stories to share, and plenty of guests with which to share the day.