The First Lady visited Lockhart Elementary School on St. Thomas yesterday to read the greatly celebrated book, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak to second graders. The school visit was part of an effort to raise awareness on literacy and the importance of reading throughout the territory, especially amongst youth. 

As the Big Read Spokesperson, an initiative of the V.I. Council on the Arts, the First Lady was delighted to visit with Lockhart’s second graders and expressed her appreciation to spend time reading with the children.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh reads "Where the Wild Things Are" to second graders at Lockhart Elementary School on February 8, 2010.

“Reading with young children is the perfect way to get them engaged and excited about books, literacy efforts, and education. Unfortunately reading is declining among all age groups, with the steepest decline being felt at the youngest age levels. Taking time to read with children is one of the most important things that we can do as parents, as family members, and as a community to combat this growing trend and work together towards ensuring our children’s future success, progress, and self-fulfillment."

In his 2007 State of the Territory Address, Governor de Jongh indicated the Administration’s strong focus on making sure that all Virgin Islands youth learn to read, including the announced goal for all fourth graders to read at grade level within five years.

 “This is the single most important step that we can take for our children, and for the future of our community. This charge continues to be carried out by the territory’s superintendents, principals, and teachers and is a central organizational and investment goal for our education system.”

Joining the First Lady at Lockhart Elementary were School Librarian Merle Vanterpoole, Second Grade Teacher Desiree Gumbs, and Government House Executive Staff. The First Lady donated two copies of “Where the Wild Things Are” to the school; one for the second grade class and one for the school library.

The First Lady will visit other schools to read with students on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John throughout the year.