AHL Rochester Americans

Amerks Players Show Their Support Of 'Read Across

February 23, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Americans will show their support for Rochester's annual "Read Across America" program this week as Amerks forward Andrew Sweetland and defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick trade in their skates and sticks for books. The pair will visit two area schools to read to kids, discuss the importance of reading and explain how reading has helped them get to where they are today.

Sweetland will help kickoff the nationwide celebration this afternoon with a 2:15 p.m. visit to the Wolcott Street School (2 Trigon Park) in LeRoy. The second-year pro will read a Dr. Seuss classic to the first-grade class and end his visit signing autographs.

Fitzpatrick will stop by Plank Road South Elementary (715 Plank Road) in Webster on Thursday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. The Amerks captain and Rochester native will be the guest of honor that night as he discusses how reading has impacted his life as a professional athlete.

"Read Across America" is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. The program was instilled in honor of Dr. Seuss, a beloved children's author. "Read Across America" provides parents, caregivers and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year.

In cities and towns across the nation, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, actors, athletes, parents, grandparents and others develop "Read Across America" activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages. Governors, mayors, and other elected officials recognize the role reading plays in their communities with proclamations and floor statements. Athletes and actors issue reading challenges to young readers. And teachers and principals seem to be more than happy to dye their hair green or be duct-taped to a wall if it boosts their students' reading.

Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.

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