First Lady Ann Scott Kicks Off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! with Broward County Elementary, Middle and High School Students
January 23, 2017
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First Lady Ann Scott Kicks Off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! with Broward County Elementary, Middle and High School Students
Tallahassee, Fla., January 23, 2017 – Today, First Lady Ann Scott kicked off 2017 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! at Fort Lauderdale High School with Florida’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, Department of Education and Florida Lottery officials, author and prize-winning Novelist Brad Meltzer and students from neighboring schools. The ninth annual event focuses on the theme, “Literacy Changes Our World.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK, FLORIDA! is one of my favorite events because it brings together Florida students of many ages to recognize the invaluable role that literacy plays in every aspect of our lives. I was impressed by Broward County’s talented students and their participation in today’s activities while we kicked off Celebrate Literary Week, Florida! I’m very excited to share my passion for reading as I travel to schools throughout the state.”
Following the kick-off event, First Lady Ann Scott will visit seven schools on her literacy tour:
- Eagle Point Elementary School
- Grandview Preparatory School
- Pine Grove Elementary School
- Forest Park Elementary School
- Heritage Elementary School
- Lake Alfred Elementary School
- Karen M. Siegel Academy
Since Governor Rick Scott took office in 2011, First Lady Scott has prioritized reading and literacy, and she has visited all of Florida’s 67 counties sharing her passion for reading with Floridians. During the school year, First Lady Scott visits schools throughout the state, where she reads to Florida’s students and thanks their hardworking educators for helping to prepare them for lifelong success. Over the summer months, she partners with the Departments of Education and Environmental Protection to encourage students to remain focused on reading all year.
“Literacy is a fundamental skill that students must continually develop to accomplish their academic and career goals,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “We are fortunate that First Lady Ann Scott uses her platform to motivate Florida’s students to love reading as much as she does, and I hope that all of our state’s parents and educators will echo this powerful message.”
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is a week-long celebration each January designed to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and to inspire Florida’s students and families to make reading a part of their daily routines. The week's events are made possible by participating sponsors: Florida Lottery; LEGOLAND Florida Resort; and the Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, visit Just Read, Florida!