Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) partnered with Douglass Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia for their annual Read Across America Day March 2. Read Across America Day, an observance on the school day closest to the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' birthday, is part of a year-long program focused on motivating children and teens to read. The program led by the National Education Association (NEA) is celebrating its 20th year of building a nation of readers one story at a time. Approximately thirty volunteers from NNSY traveled to Douglass Park Elementary, each of them reading Dr. Seuss books to the children. Also in attendance was Portsmouth Mayor John Rowe, the Portsmouth School Board student representative MyKayla Moore, as well as other city and school officials. In addition, shipyard sailors also participated at Westhaven Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia. "Reading is everything and Read Across America is a fun day to encourage it with the students," said Douglass Park Elementary School Principal Dusti Johnson. "The students decorated the doors and dressed up for the occasion. They even picked out their favorite Dr. Seuss books to read. They are really excited to have our volunteers, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard, here to read to them and show just how fun reading can be." Many of the volunteers from NNSY are involved with the Tutoring and Mentorship Program, an annual effort for the shipyard to engage with local schools in the community. These volunteers attend Douglass Park Elementary School twice a week to aid the students in mathematics and reading. "These types of events are opportunities for our command to engage the community, particularly at a younger age so we can encourage direction and help the students to enjoy reading that would be pivotal in their development," said NNSY Diversity and Inclusion Director Dr. Lydia Simmons. "Working with students helps to provide them with opportunities to grow and excel in their learning." "We appreciate the partnership today and throughout the year," said Johnson. "Our friends at the shipyard are consistently working with us and volunteering for events. The students are always excited to have them here and we thank them for their efforts." The mission of Norfolk Naval Shipyard is to repair, overhaul and refuel the most technologically advanced warships in the world: the ships and submarines of the United States Navy. Located on the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Virginia, Norfolk Naval Shipyard comprises more than 800 acres, five dry docks, and four miles of waterfront. Today NNSY is the fourth largest employer in Hampton Roads, with more than 10,500 full-time civilian employees and 750 military personnel. --USN--

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