Mount Vernon School District to Host Community Reading of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who”

The Mount Vernon City School District will host a community reading of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who,” on Saturday March 14, 2015 beginning at 11 a.m. at Grimes Elementary School (58 South 10th Ave, Mount Vernon, NY 10550). Board of Education President Elias S. Gootzeit is excited to welcome New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton and the students of Grimes Elementary School as guest readers for this special event. 

“Horton Hears a Who” is a story about a very special elephant determined to carry the message “a person is a person no matter how small.” Throughout the story, Horton attempts to help people recognize the existence of a society of tiny people called “Whos.” Although he meets resistance along the way, Horton is relentless in his quest to help his tiny friends.

“After reading the story, I often wondered if the Whos were representative of the residents of Mount Vernon,” said Board of Education President Gootzeit.  “Many times, our needs can be overlooked or over shadowed by our bigger neighbor (New York City) to the South, to the detriment of our children and community,” he continued. 

Following the community reading, President Gootzeit will facilitate a discussion about the similarities between Horton’s dilemma and the Mount Vernon City School District.  

New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson will join the community reading as the voice of the Kangaroo. “I think this is a great opportunity to engage with the students and residents of the City of Mount Vernon,” said Hassell-Thompson. “This timeless story presents a unique perspective about the impact a determined people can have on our world and will surely be a starting point for a robust discussion.  People think of Dr. Seuss as a writer of only children’s stories, but they really are about the human condition.”

Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, Superintendent of Mount Vernon Schools will lend his voice to the story’s title character, Horton. “I am always excited about the opportunity to participate in civil discourse about important topics facing our community. I welcome the opportunity to bring Horton’s dilemma to light,” said Hamilton. 

This community read is part of the Board of Education President’s Monthly Saturday Conferences for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information, please contact Rick McCormack at (914) 665-5235.