04-03-2025
Cambria County Commissioner encourages reading during school visits
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky visited multiple elementary schools to read to students for 'Read Across America Week'.
Chernisky visited schools from Feb. 26 until March 4, reading to different classes. He made stops throughout the week at the following schools:
Cambria County Library
Cambria Elementary School
Richland Elementary School
Forest Hills Elementary School
Cambria Heights Elementary School
Barrels of Fun Exploration Center
Greater Johnstown Elementary School
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Chernisky has been doing this with multiple classrooms for 30 years, inspiring kids to read.
'They hear from mom and dad, grandpa, grandma, brothers and sisters,' Chernisky said. 'But when you're hearing it from somebody else, continually, I call it top of mind awareness. It's what we should be doing. We should be mentoring and helping our future.'
The celebration has its perks for the teachers as well. They get a break from teaching as the students get engaged with the guest reader.
'It mixes it up, makes it fun in the classroom,' Chernisky added. 'I read the kindergartners, first grade, second grade, third grade and preschool. It's just to break it up. The right thing to do is to bring attention to reading. The more you read, the more you learn, the smarter you get.'
The idea behind the weeklong celebration is to promote reading among students as a fun and helpful hobby. The week starts on March 2, which is synonymous with famous children's author Dr. Seuss's birthday, and runs until March 6.
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