Mitchell’s donation with singing

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

BRUNDIDGE ­ Pike County Elementary School got an early Christmas present on Thursday and, in return, gave the giver one.

State Sen. Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne, thought he was going to deliver a $1,000 check for the school’s efforts in the Alabama Reading Initiative.

What he soon discovered was a surprise.

Signs welcoming and thanking the senator adorned the gym walls and he was greeted by elves, tiny Rudolphs and many jingling bells.

In honor of the senator’s visit, the students put on a Christmas program as a celebration of their accomplishments with the Alabama Reading Initiative and the season.

As part of the program, a student from each grade stood up and told why he or she likes to read.

Tyliyah Hooks, who is in kindergarten, reads because she wants "to be smart" and one day "the president of the United States."

First grader Mary McNally likes to read because of "all the great books in the library" that can transport her to another time and place.

X’Zandria Foster is in the second grade and already realizes the impact her teachers have had on her.

She said her teachers inspired her to read.

"I have been reading for a long time and, now, it has paid off," Foster said.

Third grade student Shayla Terry thanked Mitchell for helping her school to purchase more books.

Candace Harvey loves to read "because it’s fun and exciting" and helps people better understand things.

"Reading is important in your everyday life," the fourth grader said.

"Reading is important because it will help us achieve all our dreams," said Carl Carlisle, a fifth grade student.

And, sixth grader Jamal Hilliard summed it up by saying everyone needs to read to succeed.

Mitchell said he was impressed and proud to contribute to the continued efforts of the school.

"The Reading Initiative you’re involved in is one of those components that makes life much more successful," Mitchell told the students.

PCES reading specialist Wendy Watson said the Alabama Reading Initiative does work.

"We know the Reading Initiative is working because they’re all reading," Watson said of the students.

Watson said Mitchell’s contribution will be used to purchase more books for the school library.