On behalf of the students and faculty at the E.J. Harrington Elementary School, we would like to thank approximately 50 community readers who joined us for last week’s Harrington Reads Day, our 16th annual reading celebration.  

The students were most fortunate to have positive role models demonstrate their interest in them and their education by spending a morning in our school reading books to all our classes and celebrating literacy. Our youngsters realized the critical importance of books and reading to their future success. Not only did the community leaders read, they also spent time introducing themselves, explaining about their jobs and the importance of reading as a life skill.

We were fortunate to have readers from the City Council, School Committee, school administration offices, Secretary of Education from the Executive Office of Education, Mayor Thomas M. McGee’s office, Essex Sheriff’s office, local businesses and banks, authors, newspaper reporters and many other caring volunteers who simply wanted to share some of their valuable time with our students. The sense of community was truly heartwarming!

Special thanks to Elizabeth-Jade M. Beattie, an 11-year-old author who read her book, “The Elephant Dentist,” and answered questions about becoming an author.  

We were also fortunate to have Dulce Gonzalez from Senator Brendan Crighton’s office address the students. After telling us about her family and educational background, she delivered an important message to our students, encouraging them to grab every opportunity that presents itself and to follow their dreams, wherever they may lead.

We are most gratified by our volunteer readers’ continued interest and support over these many years.    

Carole B. Shutzer, Librarian

J. Harrington Elementary School