By Andrew Ralph

The Manchester Monarchs, the Monarchs Care Foundation and Bank of America annually partner on programs that help to educate children in the community.  This season, these organizations joined together to bring Monarchs players to local schools to take part in the national Read Across America program.

Read Across America began in May of 1997 and takes place the first week of March every year to honor one of the most prolific children’s writers in history, Dr. Seuss.  The founders of this educational program tried to find a way to make reading fun and make children excited about reading.  Going on its 12th year of celebrating reading, Read Across America has made an impact on everyone from grandparents to actors to politicians to hockey players and so on with over 45 million individuals participating last year.

The National Education Association also provides grants and awards to those individuals who have made an impact in their community.  With over 50 sponsors and partners including Major League Soccer, the National Football League Players Association, Target and Twentieth Century Fox, Read Across America incorporates business powers in an effort to create a relationship to all involved in this program.

The Monarchs and Bank of America visited three schools in New Hampshire to help celebrate reading.  Monarchs right wing Jon Rheault read to students at Apple Blossom located at Hesser College in Manchester on Tuesday, March 2.  Right wing Geoff Walker visited Birch Hill Elementary School in Nashua on Wednesday, March 3 and defenseman Thomas Hickey joined McDonough Elementary School in Manchester on Thursday, March 4 to celebrate Read Across America.

“Read Across America is a well-known program supporting a great cause,” said Monarchs Senior Vice President Cheryl Abbott when asked about the program.  “The Monarchs are glad to be a part of this national program to help educate kids by reading.  Each season, we send a handful of players to schools to relay the message to children that reading is fun!  The Monarchs also try to incorporate some aspects of hockey to hopefully get more kids excited about reading,”

The Monarchs read Z is for Zamboni, by Matt Napier and Melanie Rose, and engaged in fun activities with some of their young fans last week.  While seeing some of their role models enjoying themselves while reading, hopefully the Monarchs youngest fans will strive for the same enjoyment and, without knowing, learn at the same time.

“Thanks in large part to the dedication of a truly diverse network of volunteers, Read Across America has impacted millions nationwide,” said John Weeks, president, Bank of America New Hampshire.  “Students were thrilled to share the reading experience with local hockey heroes.”