Gordon State College First Lady Reads Tour
By: Brittany A. Tennant, Communications Specialist
Gordon State College First Lady Alison N. Nooks is giving back to the community one book at a time. Nooks has made it her mission since last year to read to children the same age as her twins, as she follows them through their scholastic journey.
Last year Nooks read to several first-grade classes in Gordon’s 14-county service region. Gordon State College’s 14-county primary service region includes Butts, Clayton, Coweta, Crawford, Fayette, Henry, Lamar, Macon-Bibb, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding, Talbot and Thomaston-Upson counties. Through the end of 2019 and through 2020 Nooks will read to almost 15 schools to continue being connected with the service region.
Nooks made her first stop on her tour through Georgia at Crawford County Elementary School. Second grade students gathered to hear Nooks read books selected by her committee.
All the committee’s book selections deal with developing positive character traits (respect, responsibility, having a positive attitude, kindness, sharing, etc.), making good choices, and personal responsibility. The goal is to show the children how reading can change how the students view themselves and others.
Nooks said, “access to education can change the trajectory of children. Along with education, character development and self-worth are essential to how children view themselves as they journey through life. I believe both must be nurtured. Reading is such an amazing tool for all of us to see the possibilities in ourselves and in others. It can help change the narrative and can help us see 'what could be,' and not just 'what is.'"
To conclude the 6-month tour, there will be a culminating event, the Gordon State College First Lady Tea, where GSC will celebrate the power of reading. Each second-grade teacher whose class she visits will be invited to join her that day for lunch.