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thedrifter
03-10-06, 12:14 PM
Marines, sailors help honor Dr. Seuss
MCB Quantico
Story by: Lance Cpl. Sha'ahn Williams

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(March 9, 2006) -- Fox in Socks and Green Eggs and Ham are just two of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel books that many, many American children have used in learning to read. The books are colorful and fun, but still teach reading fundamentals.

To continue in the tradition of enjoyable learning, a group of Quantico Marines and sailors participated in Park Ridge Elementary School’s Dr. Seuss 102nd birthday celebration in Stafford March 2.

The celebration is part of “Read Across America,” a National Education Assoc-iation program commemorating Seuss’ birthday. Over the years, the one-day affair has grown into an initiative that promotes reading every day of the year.

At Park Ridge, each day leading up to the beloved author’s birthday had a different theme. There was Crazy Sock Day, Decorate Your Door Day, Schoolwide Reading Time, and then the finale.

“We do this event every year to try and make reading more fun and interactive for the kids,” said Caroline God-dard, reading specialist. “We want them to have that exposure so they will become lifelong lovers of reading.”

Volunteers from Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, Sec-urity Battalion’s Brig Com-pany, and sailors from Naval Health Clinic Quantico read Dr. Seuss books and served juice and cupcakes to the children during the hour-long event.

After snacking, the children took an official readers’ oath, in which they pledged to read every day. The oath was lead by Deputy John Hamilton, a Fairfax County Sherriff’s deputy to show the children how important reading is, Goddard said.

Once sworn in, the children and their families were guided by the volunteers in timed activities that included playing games, singing songs, and making Seuss-inspired items, like “goop.”

“Goop is made from cornstarch and water,” said Pfc. Vidalisse Rivera, an administrative clerk who volunteered at the school. “It changes when you touch it. When you push your finger into it, it feels hard, but when you take it out it’s all squishy.”

While Rivera kept busy helping children make goop, Lance Cpl. James Klingeman, a brig guard, donned a Cat in the Hat-style hat, and read Where’s My Mother? to attentive children.

“When we were asked who wanted to read, I volunteered right away,” Klingeman said. “I really wanted to do this.”

It is important for Marines to be involved in the community on and off base, said Staff Sgt. Ian Brady, duty brig supervisor. “Personally, I love Dr. Seuss and I thought it would be fun.”

“Helping out with the kids, especially for such a good cause like raising reading awareness, is not only important to the kids, but the parents and teachers as well,” said Lance Cpl.
Lisa Turly, Single Marine Program representative. “I know with all schools, outside positive influences make just as big an influence as home does. As for Dr. Seuss, himself, he is indeed a legend. His books are still favorites among all ages and are excellent books for kids to learn to read. Celebrating his life will continue his legend for years to come.”

Ellie