Photo: Suzanne Rushworth receives a plaque from Commissioner Dr. Greg Martin and State Senator Bo Watson.
Friday marks the 11th year that Hixson High School has celebrated “Read Across America.”
"Each year, Hixson invites successful community members, several of whom are Hixson High Hall of Fame inductees, to read to the school’s seniors. The visiting readers select their reading material for the event," officials said.
The visitors share with Hixson students the value of reading and how books have influenced their lives.
Suzanne Rushworth, a social studies teacher at Hixson High, has sponsored the event from its beginning. She is retiring at the end of this school year, so Commissioner Greg Martin presented her with a proclamation of appreciation from the Hamilton County Commission for her efforts to improve literacy.
Mrs.
Rushworth expressed her appreciation and praise to the participants who take the time to visit the school to read and inspire young people.
This year’s list of readers included:
Pam Ladd*-CEO Partnership
Karen Glenn- director of STARS
Dr. Greg Martin*- County commissioner, District 3
David Franklin-attorney
Robin Posey*- Community Foundation
Lesley Scearce - CEO, United Way
State Senator Bo Watson
State Representative Gerald McCormick
Marty Haynes*- property assessor for Hamilton County
William Cordell STARS program
Dr. Nikolasa Tejero*- UTC music professor
Marcia Kling – television celebrity
*Hixson alumni and in the Hixson High Hall of Fame