High school students 'Read Across America' Published March 5, 2010 By Senior Airman Clay Murray 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Bitburg Elementary, as well as numerous schools throughout the states, participated in Read Across America March 2, an event designed to encourage and inspire young minds to read. Volunteers from across the base were invited to read to elementary school students throughout the day. During the early afternoon, students from Bitburg High School dominated the outing, as several Barons were propped in the library with literature in hand and a circle of eager ears listening. Troy Nichols, a Bitburg HS senior, served as a volunteer for Read Across America. Nichols selected a book from the library shelves and read it to three different classes of children provoking giggles and gasps. "This is the first time I (volunteered for Read Across America)," Nichols said. "The kids are good listeners, and it's good to see them interested in reading and not watching television all day like some others." Nichols spent more than an hour with the elementary students, and after reading to them he spoke highly of the experience and its value. Sparking an interest and excitement about reading is one of his favorite parts, he said. "I generally like working with kids, and it's a lot of fun," Nichols said. "Teaching a generation that reading is still cool and fun to do is a good way to leave my mark on the world. Seeing them smiling during the story is the best part about it." Meaghan Schichler, a sophomore from Bitburg HS and daughter of Tech. Sgt. Brian Schichler, 52nd Fighter Wing staff judge advocate office, also read children's literature to elementary school students. "(During the reading) I can get back a bit to my childhood side," she said. While taking a break from work or school to spark wide smiles and laughter was enjoyable for volunteers, Read Across America has a much broader purpose. "(For others interested in volunteering) I recommend they enjoy it," Nichols said. "It's not just another chance to get out of class. These kids enjoy it and it's a great deal of fun to do." "I volunteered because it was a great opportunity to care for and read to children, and further help them with books and learning," Schichler said. "More high school kids should come out and do this. It's really fun and a great learning experience for anyone." Jo-Ann Henninger, a primary center classroom teacher at Bitburg ES, has been involved in Read Across America since it began. She is an advocate of encouraging children to read and helping them develop an interest in it. The reading event is a healthy way to energize and motivate kids to become better readers, she said. "It's a serious business to teach kids to read," Ms. Henninger said. "When kids get to see everyone reading - their parents, teachers, brothers and sisters- it makes a difference. This is almost like a birthday party; the idea of interested people gathering and enjoying reading together. "When (volunteer) readers are animated and relaxed at the same time while enjoying it, it sends a message to (the kids) that reading isn't just work, but it can be a whole lot of fun," she added. Read Across America is held March 2 of each year on the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.