Reading's importance stressed at Ware, West Springfield schools

WARE, Mass. (WWLP) - Reading is a key to success in school, and that point was made to students in Ware and West Springfield on Thursday by several members of the community, including a member of our 22News team.

Reporter and movie critic Sy Becker was among those who read to students at the Ware Middle School in Ware and the Fausey Elementary School in West Springfield on Friday morning.

Fifth grader Reid Jeffery said that he liked hearing from their guests on the importance of reading in their futures.

“I think it’s important so the students get a better view of what they’re going to be reading for the school,” fifth grader Reid Jeffery said.

Fourth grader Maxwell Thoreau Williams recalled watching a TV game show with his aunt as an example of why he thinks reading is important.

“She almost got every question right, and I said: ‘Why are you like that?’ and she said: ‘Because I read!’” Williams said.

In Ware, Becker was joined by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin O’Reagan, a Ware native; as well as Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), who represents the town in the State Senate.

In West Springfield, the students taught Becker about their environmental and wildlife projects. They're committed to raising salmon from eggs, and then in the spring, releasing the salmon fry  into the nearby Westfield River, to support the salmon stocks in Western Massachusetts and to continue their significant numbers into the future.

The events are a part of Read Across America Day, which celebrates the birthday of author and Springfield native Dr. Seuss, who would have turned 109 on Saturday.