Ferst Readers of Henry County sent 23,000 free books to preschool children last year.  Ferst Readers held its Spring luncheon on March 20 to celebrate the community’s progress in improving childhood literacy, and to encourage even more support.

  Doris Griffin, chair of the Henry County chapter, noted that the non-profit has changed its name from The Ferst Foundation in order to clarify its mission. Ferst Readers provides free age-appropriate books to preschool children. Each month 50 to 60 newborns are registered at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Children receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Parents also get a newsletter that includes a reading guide with crafts and activities related to the book.

  About 1900 children are currently receiving books in Henry County, at a cost of $36 per child per year, Mrs. Griffin noted. “It’s your donations and grants that make that possible,” she told the crowd.

  Katrina Paggett, current Teacher of the Year at Stockbridge Elementary School and mother of three, spoke about her own younger children’s delight in receiving mail addressed to them containing a new book. “Ferst Readers has given my children years of knowledge,” she said, adding that the arrival of a book provides a great reminder for busy parents to read to their children.

  Dr. Stephanie Gordon, who coordinates fundraising efforts at the local schools, recognized the past year’s top givers at each grade level. They are Red Oak Elementary School, Stockbridge Middle School and Locust Grove High School. Each participating school determines how it will raise funds, and fundraisers have included silent auctions, student events and faculty “jeans day.”

  Brian Brakefield of State Farm Insurance recognized the group known as Henry Hundred. Henry Hundred is made up of community members who commit to donating $100 yearly. He challenged more people to consider joining and invited those interested to a reception at Story on the Square the evening of April 18.

  The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, superintendent of the Henry County School System. As a career educator, she would like to see pediatricians include a reading readiness evaluation when assessing developmental milestones.

  “I am on a mission to make sure wellness checkups are about healthy little brains as well as healthy little bodies,” she said, adding that reading is crucial in virtually every workplace and for routine adult chores like filing income taxes and understanding insurance policies.

  “I believe literacy to be the social justice of our time,” she said. Reading development does not end with elementary school, Dr. Davis said, adding that she is urging all local schools to keep children on track until graduation.

  About 250 guests attended the event at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge. Mrs. Griffin expressed deep thanks to the event’s major sponsors, which were Heritage Bank, Piedmont Henry Hospital and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She also thanked the hosts who decorated each table with the theme of a children’s book.

  Lunch was prepared and served by students from the Culinary Arts program at the Academy for Advance Studies, working their first off-campus catering event. Members of the Union Grove High School orchestra provided musical entertainment during the luncheon.   For more information about Ferst Readers of Henry County, “like” the Facebook page and go to the website at ferstreadershenry.org.