HAMMOND — Second grade students at Kenwood Elementary School had a special guest join them Thursday.
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. took part in a story time hour with the students, reading to them a story about an unlikely friendship between a lion and a duck.
The book was "How to Be a Lion" by Ed Vere, a seemingly fitting choice given the elementary school's mascot being a lion.
After the mayor finished reading the story, the students were asked about the book's main theme of benevolence and about what acts of kindness they could do in their own lives
The students also took part in an activity where they wrote poetry about kindness.
McDermott read to the Kenwood students as part of "Read Across of Hammond Week," an effort put together by Books, Brushes & Bands for Education, a local nonprofit organization.
People are also reading…
The goal is to bring story time to all second grade classrooms in the School City of Hammond, with the mayor being one of the 35 volunteers serving as readers.
The volunteers come from several local entities, including professors from the local colleges, business people and other Hammond city officials.
The initiative is part of a partnership with BBB4E and Hammond schools.
McDermott said the story time was a great opportunity for him to interact with the next generation and talk about his role as the city's leader.
"I think it's important to make them understand that they can be the mayor one day," he said.
Before leaving, McDermott presented a proclamation to the students declaring this week as "Read Across Hammond Week".
In addition to the classroom story times, BBB4E will be hosting "Read-a-Palooza," a family event at the Hammond Public Library from 1-4 p.m. to commemorate Read Across America Day on March 2. Participants will be able to receive free books, take part in a bilingual story hour and a community poetry project, as well as build their own books.
"We're really trying to get the whole family excited about reading and revitalize the importance of books," said Ian Brundige, the communications and development manager for BBB4E.
The group is known for its door-to-door book deliveries as well as its activities centered around literacy, and visual and musical arts for children.
More information about BBB4E can be at bbb4e.org or by calling 219-218-3029.
