ACPS welcomes Georgia’s First Lady

While visiting with students, Mrs. Deal read the book “Who I’d Like to Be” a story about a child who wished to be many things including a bird, frog, turtle, pig and more. The book was written in 2009 by 90-year-old Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by her eight-year-old great-granddaughter, Alexandria Elizabeth Brown. In her introductory message included in the book, Mrs. Deal states that “The book’s message is timeless: we all dream of being someone else until we realize we can be most happy just being our uniquely wonderful selves. And, it shows that reading, writing, and art are lifelong skills.”

Students enthusiastically participated in the story as Mrs. Deal led students through the book. Mrs. Deal also read a poem written by Governor Nathan Deal, “Learning to Read”. During her visit, Mrs. Deal stressed the importance of reading and encouraged students to practice reading continuously now and throughout their lives.

Mrs. Deal presented each kindergarten teacher and the media center with copies of the book. Mrs. Deal’s visit was part of the “Read Across Georgia” initiative. In addition to Mrs. Deal’s staff that traveled with her, other guests who came to the school for the First Lady’s visit were Superintendent Scarlett Copeland, Sheriff Benny Deloach and a member of the Georgia State Patrol.

ACPS kindergarten students will remember this event with excitement and think of the First Lady’s visit each time they hear the book read to their class. Principal, Brenda Harvey and Assistant Principal, Cindy Stewart were so excited this special First Lady, Mrs. Deal took time from her busy schedule to engage in reading to the Kindergarten students at Appling County Primary.