PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Celebrity Reader Program

* Mission: To teach children that reading is important no matter where they want to go in life.

The Celebrity Reader Program was invented by second-grade teacher Ken Newton at Mint Canyon Elementary School in Santa Clarita. By sending invitation letters to Southland officials and celebrities, he has been able to bring, among others, Santa Clarita Mayor Joanne Darcy, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich and deejay Ryan Seacrest of KYSR-FM (98.7) to read to students. Other guests have included UCLA basketball players, a Laker cheerleader and a physician.

The weekly program, in its first year, has sparked positive responses from the children and gives them a chance to hear about the value of literature. The guests introduce themselves and explain why reading has been important in their lives. Most borrow a book from Newton to read aloud, although some bring their own favorites. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) brought one about the White House.

Newton reports that the favorite visitor so far has been Seacrest, who mentioned the class on the air during his program. And after the visitors are gone, a “Wall of Fame” in the classroom holds mementos that they leave, such as autographed photos and business cards.

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* Quote: “I want my kids to see how important reading is, instead of hearing it just from me and their parents.

--Ken Newton, second-grade teacher

Mint Canyon Elementary School