On January 27, the students of Ecole Fox Run were visited by three leaders of the Sylvan Lake Community to help the school celebrate Family Literacy Day.
Flipside Youth Services Co-ordinator, Deshon Lennard, along with Sylvan Lake RCMP member Const. Michael Lee and Mayor of Sylvan Lake, Sean McIntyre went class to class reading from some of their favourite books in order to help spark a life-long love of reading.
Fox Run Vice-Principal Tracey Lynn was excited to have three committed individuals on board to help promote reading at the school.
“We have leaders in our community come in and talk about why they love reading,” she said. “If you love literacy - life is easier. It is an outlet even outside academics. It’s a whole new world that opens up.”
Mayor McIntyre was happy to read some passages from one of his favourite books.
“I am reading Chris Hatfield’s An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth,” he said. “It’s great to be able to share a passion for reading with these students. I am really a huge fan of Chris Hatfield- a Canadian astronaut who spent time on the International Space Station and turned our attention back into space by documenting his journey on Twitter, Tumblr and Youtube. It’s a great way to inspire people by getting us interested in things beyond ourselves.”
Const. Lee was also excited to share his newly rediscovered love of reading. Lee read passages from Charlotte’s Web as well as The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig.
“I haven’t been an avid reader until recently,” he said. “It’s important because it broadens your mind and relieves stress. You can go on your own adventure.”
Students would listen to the speakers and then ask them questions on why they love literacy.
Mayor McIntyre was happy to oblige the students by sharing one his passions.
“I think it helps unlock a world, especially for young people,” he said. “It’s a great privilege to share that passion.”
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com