Students at the West Memorial School are going places, if famed children’s author Dr. Seuss can be believed. On March 2 the school celebrated its annual National Read Across America Day (which also happens to be Dr. Seuss’s birthday) by partaking in a broad array of ceremonies that included dress-up, a magic show and visits from numerous guest speakers from around town.

Thanks to the deft coordination of teachers and the Parent Teacher Organization, kids enjoyed a day full of reading and entertainment. Librarian Dale Sampson from the West Branch Library came into one of the classrooms to talk about the importance of reading to the children. In addition, school Resource Officer Rick Cochran visited to read from some of Dr. Seuss’s books. To cap it all off, Magician Tommy James performed a 45-minute performance called the “Dr. Seuss Magic Reading Show,” which included magic music and sound effects.

“Tommy totally captivated the students,” said cultural event coordinator Nicole DiBenedetto-Ramsdell. “The show was full of surprises and it was a great learning experience for our children.”

Meanwhile, many enjoyed the activities while wearing the iconic red and white striped hats from the “Cat in the Hat,” and blue wigs with tops marked “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.” According to Kristen Bedard, president of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, the Dr. Seuss Day has been a longstanding tradition at the West School.

The beloved children’s author penned over 60 books in his illustrious career, including “The Cat in the Hat,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

By Melanie Higgins