Cambria commissioner continues Read Across America tradition

Joshua Byers, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Feb. 28—EBENSBURG, Pa. — Starting at Richland Elementary School Tuesday, Cambria County Commissioner Thomas Chernisky continued a long-standing annual tradition he holds dear — reading to local youths in honor of beloved children's author Theodor Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss.

"It's a way to meet the kids and get them excited about reading," he said.

Chernisky started this journey roughly 25 years ago for his daughters' classes at Richland Elementary School and has continued it ever since for National Read Across America Week.

He started early this year because Geisel's birthday falls on Saturday.

The rambunctious group of kindergartners at Richland were thrilled to have a visitor and to hear him read.

Chernisky started, as he typically does, with "I Am Not Getting Up Today" by Dr. Seuss.

After each page, he'd ask the roughly 100 youngsters about the different scenarios and if they were to get out of bed for that situation.

Winnie Freidhoff, 6, was excited to have a visitor.

She said it's the first time anyone has come to read to her class, and hearing from Chernisky made her "happy in a good way."

Freidhoff said she likes to read, especially to her younger 3-year-old brother and 1-year-old sister.

She's also a fan of picture books.

"The kids always enjoy whenever he comes in to read to us," kindergarten teacher Caitlyn Forcellini said.

She added that it's nice to have someone come to the school to promote literacy because it reaffirms the children the importance of learning and reading.

Chernisky agreed.

"Reading is knowledge, and I just want to be part of that," he said.

The commissioner said being able to reinforce what the teachers are telling the students is great, and it makes him feel like he's giving back.

In addition to "I Am Not Getting Up Today," Chernisky read "Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?" by Dr. Seuss.

Chernisky is continuing his reading trips throughout the week, going at 11 a.m. Wednesday to Cambria County Library.

He'll also make stops at Central Cambria, Cambria Heights, Forest Hills and Greater Johnstown elementary schools, as well as Barrels of Fun Exploration Center and at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Portage Public Library.