Sen. Isakson reads at Centennial Elementary

Staff Report

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson visited Centennial Place Elementary School earlier this month to see Atlanta’s Power Lunch program - Everybody Wins! - in action. Isakson read Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss and talked to the children about the importance of reading.

The Georgia Republican was welcomed by Centennial Principal Alison Shelton and Terri Beck, executive director of Everybody Wins! Atlanta. Power Lunch pairs elementary school children with adult mentors for one-on-one reading time once a week. Beck noted that numerous studies have shown that improving reading skills improves academic performance, creating opportunities for future successes in life, and she thanked Isakson for shining a spotlight on the issue.

Isakson told the children that he and his wife made it a priority to read to their children from the time they were babies. Now, they are continuing the tradition with their grandchildren. He stressed the value of strong reading skills and told the students that if they can read, they can do anything.

“There’s nothing more important than being able to read,” said Isakson as reported in a press release. “If you can’t read, you’re going to have difficulties you shouldn’t have to go through. Everybody Wins! Atlanta is a terrific program, and what makes it work are the mentors who give a little bit of themselves to help these youngsters grow up bigger, brighter, smarter and more well-read than any kids in Atlanta.”