Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Lawmaker reads Gettysburg Address to Shelton students


State Sen. Kevin Kelly reads to a Social Studies class Monday at Shelton Intermediate School. / Contributed photo


SHELTON - State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, spent Monday morning reading to a class at Shelton Intermediate School during its annual Community Read-Aloud Day. 
The special event coincided with Read Across America Day, the National Education Association’s celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

“I was honored to receive an invitation to read at Shelton Intermediate School,” Kelly said. “It is important to emphasize the value of reading at all ages. Reading is the key to a lifetime of learning.”

Kenneth D. Saranich, Headmaster of Shelton Intermediate School, invited Kelly to read his favorite story, poem or other piece of literature. Kelly selected President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

“I chose this speech because it exemplifies the power of words. President Lincoln made many sacrifices so we can enjoy freedom and liberty today. His words are his legacy. By reading and reliving his speech, we can reaffirm and understand our origins,” Kelly said.

After reading, Kelly tied the speech to the current conflict in the Ukraine.

“Lincoln’s words were meant to motivate a divided nation. Today’s civil unrest abroad reminds us that history is not so distant. When we face turmoil, we can look to the leaders of our past for inspiration.”

According to Saranich, inviting local leaders to read at this annual event sets a good example for the students.

“Actions speak louder than words, and hearing community leaders read sends a powerful message,” said Saranich.

Before leaving, Kelly gave the seventh grade class a book on Lincoln, so that interested students could continue to read and learn about the president in their own time.

Kelly (www.senatorkevinkelly.com) represents the 21st District, which includes the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton, and Stratford.  He can be reached at 800-842-1421, at Kevin.Kelly@cga.ct.gov. Follow Kelly on Twitter @21KevinKelly and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/senatorkevinkelly.


This is taken from a press release from Kelly's office.

No comments:

Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 in Scholarships

    Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 from Scholarship Funds to Support Educational Pursuits of Local Students   DERBY, CT (Octobe...