Florida's first lady visits MacDill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "Do you know who I am?" Florida's first lady Ann Scott asked.  A resounding "no," replied a classroom filled with Tinker Elementary School second-graders Sept. 12 at MacDill.

"Do you know who the governor is?" she asked, producing a chorus of no's and some shaking heads.

"No, but my mom does," replied one student.

Scott's visit was to familiarize herself with MacDill, specifically the base's educational programs. She also took time to read to students at Tinker.

One by one children raised their hands to tell Florida's first lady about their parents' job. As time dwindled, a school staff member told the group that the first lady must start reading because school would be out soon.

Scott still took time to thank all the students' parents for their service, but gave a special thanks to the students.

"Thank you for the sacrifices you make, which gives your parents the opportunity to serve in the military and protect our country."

Scott emphasized the importance of continual reading, as she read "The Wonderful Book" by Leonid Gore to attentive ears. The children eagerly awaited the first lady's pauses so they could shout the next word.

"I really enjoyed reading to the students at Tinker Elementary School and I was so impressed by the new Child Development Center and the Health and Wellness Center," said Scott. "It gave me great comfort to see some of the top-notch programs and support provided to our military families at MacDill Air Force Base."

In conjunction with the Florida Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! program, Scott recently met with multiple schools and organizations geared toward youths, as part of the 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure.

According to the Just Read, Florida! website,"The 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure is geared to help children stay on target, motivated and excited about reading and literacy. During summer vacation, it is important for students to spend time reading and writing on a regular basis whether the student is a beginning or a proficient reader."

Students interested in joining the reading adventure can pledge at www.justreadflorida.com.

By the end of the summer, the Florida Department of Education will tally the schools with the most participants and the winner will receive free passes to any Florida state park.