Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/654069
SPRING 2016 | ADVOCATE 13 Around AEA NEA's Read Across America is the annual celebration of reading that honors the March 2nd birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss. This year marks the 19th national Read Across America celebra- tion in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and includes a six-city reading tour. The program engages an estimated 45 million educators, parents, and students nationwide with school and community celebra- tions coast to coast. Stop number three of NEA's Read Across America tour was nothing short of amazing! The tour touched down at Broadmor Elementary School in Tempe, Arizona, where more than 200 students were treated to a Seuss-tastic reading event and entertainment on March 1, 2016. Jolly Roger, a local magician, dazzled students with his show, which emphasized the magic of reading. The 30-year veteran entertainer shared his own story about how a book inspired him to become a magician, which has allowed him to travel to 75 countries as a performer. "It all began with a book," he told the group. After the show, dozens of education majors—and NEA student pro- gram members—from Arizona State University worked with Broadmor students to create their own magic through stories and illustrations. Olivia Winsor, 9, authored "My Worst Day—Ever," which chronicled a series of mishaps: the chef dropped Winsor's order on the floor; the waiter over charged her family; the city bus was full and no longer taking new passengers; her house started to shake and water shot out from the toilet; and instead of a park, there was a hole. Behind these sinister acts: the "Bad-Day Villain." Guest readers were Kevin Gilbert and Shelley Moore Krajacic, execu- tive committee members of NEA. The pair electrified the crowd with their rendition of Green Eggs and Ham. Other special guests included Nidia Lias, secretary/treasurer of the Arizona Education Association, and Elizabeth Leivas, co-president of the Tempe Education Association. With events like Read Across America, "a new generation of students NEA's Read Across America Brings the Magic to Arizona