(Rutherford County, TN) On Friday, September 16th, Read To Succeed celebrated their 18th annual “Reading in the Schools Day” throughout Rutherford County. Over 30 schools participated, reaching more than 26,000 students in Rutherford County schools, Murfreesboro City schools, private schools, and preschools on this special day set aside to celebrate literacy.

This annual effort to connect the community with the classroom encourages volunteer readers read aloud to an enthusiastic group of students. This year over 2,000 parents, grandparents, elected officials, athletes, and community leaders made it a priority to model the love of reading by sharing a good book.

Numerous book characters were seen throughout Rutherford County including Mouse and Camilla showing up at both Northfield and Brown’s Chapel Schools. Rosie, a therapy dog, visited Mrs. Brewer's second grade class at Scales Elementary.

According to Jolene Radnoti, Executive Director of Read To Succeed, Reading in the Schools Day gets bigger and better each year. “This year was a huge success because the schools and community were glad to see folks back into the schools. We love the fact that Rutherford County has embraced this annual event and the schools find more creative ways each year to celebrate the written word and remind kids of the importance of reading.”

“Reading in the Schools Day is an important tradition that we were so glad to welcome back this year. Not only does this day celebrate literacy and underscore our district’s commitment to growing readers, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to walk the halls of our schools, sit with our students, and share in the magic of a great book. We are already looking forward to next year.” -Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools for Murfreesboro City Schools.

"I want to thank all of the readers who came out to read in schools. Seeing the students engaged and excited about reading is what this day is all about. Special thanks to all of the High School students who took time out of their day to read to kids. They really look up to these students and are inspired by them. We are never too old to read to a child." - Mrs. Jessica Bloom M.ED.