Led by V.I. first lady Cecile deJongh, several members of the governor’s cabinet and community leaders took part in Read Across America on Monday, an event hosted by the National Education Association.

Read Across America coincides with the March 2 birthday of Theodore Geisel, known the world over as Dr. Seuss, and promotes reading, particularly for children and young adults. Across the U.S. mainland and in the Virgin Islands, people came together to take part in reading events, including reading to children in schools and taking part in group readings at libraries, event halls and community centers.

DeJongh read to students at Antilles School on St. Thomas.

Others taking part in Monday’s observance included:
– Office of Management and Budget Director Debra Gottlieb at Sts. Peter and Paul School;
– Human Services Commissioner Chris Finch at the Head Start Center;
– St. Croix Administrator Dodson James at Juanita Gardine Elementary School;
– St. Thomas/Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen at Joseph Gomez Elementary School;
– the Rev. Carlyle Samson, a member of Children and Families Council, at Julius E. Sprauve School;
– Victor Browne, director of the Law Enforcement Planning Council, at Ricardo Richards Elementary School;
– Nicole Wheatley at E. Benjamin Oliver School;
– Alice Krall at Guy Benjamin and Julius Sprauve Schools;
– V.I. Energy Office Director Karl Knight at Claude O. Markoe School;
– Nicole Wheatley, CFVI special projects manager, at E. Benjamin Oliver School;
– and Bureau of Economic Research Director Wharton Berger at Lockhart Elementary School.