Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) partnered with Douglass Park Elementary School in Portsmouth, Virginia, for the 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 is led by the National Education Association (NEA), with its focus on building a nation of readers one story at a time.

Twenty-five volunteers from NNSY traveled to Douglass Park Elementary to meet with students of varying grades and read Dr. Seuss books to them, whether it be a favorite from the reader's childhood or simply a book from the author's expansive collection.

It was the third year NNSY supported this event at Douglass Park. Also in attendance were several city officials, including Portsmouth City Manager Dr. Pettis Patton.

"This week and Read Across America Day has been all about getting the students excited about reading," said Douglass Park Elementary School Principal Dusti Johnson-Brinker. "We held little spirit days where we dressed up like Dr. Seuss characters, a door decorating competition, reading logs, and other little activities to show how fun reading can be. And today we have our guests from the shipyard and from the city come out to take some time to read with our students and interact with them. It's a really special experience for everyone and we look forward to this every year."

Many of the shipyard volunteers are also involved with NNSY's 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.

"When I was a child, I loved to read, so coming out and reading to the kids and instilling that value and reading ethics is huge for me. I love it," said Desiree Manley, Shop 41 apprentice supervisor. She has attended the Read Across America Day for three years and also is an active volunteer in NNSY's Tutoring and Mentorship Program. "I love to interact with the kids and share these stories with them. They are always really excited and asking a lot of questions. It's a really powerful experience to help these kids grow and I welcome all shipyard employees to join us in the future, whether it be for the tutoring or for events like Read Across America. We can truly make a difference in these kids' lives."

"We don't know what we would do without our volunteers from the shipyard," said Johnson-Brinker. "The volunteers are always so joyful to be here and the kids love that one-on-one time to learn and interact. We are very thankful to the shipyard for all they do for us."

To learn more about Read Across America Day, visit http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm.

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.

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For more news from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, visit www.navy.mil/.