Miss Illinois Drops By Shorewood School

From Troy School District:

SHOREWOOD, IL — Miss Illinois, Jaryn Franklin, visited Troy Heritage Trail Elementary School, bringing her love of reading and message of acceptance of those with disabilities. She also brought Nemo, a stuffed toy fish from the movie, “Finding Nemo.”

“It’s OK to be different,” she told the kindergarten through fourth grade classes. “Nemo has one small fin. It doesn’t make him any less of a fish, though. A difference should not stop you from doing anything you want to in life."

Franklin also read the book, “It’s Okay to be Different,” by Todd Parr, and a Dr. Seuss book to celebrate reading in general during Dr. Seuss Week at the school.

State title holders who competed in Miss America from all over the country were doing the same in their own states during the week, collaborating with CITGO to share the importance of reading. CITGO also gave each kindergarten, first- and second-grade Heritage Trail student a book to take home and gave third- and fourth-grade students drawstring backpacks.

Miss Illinois recently visited Troy Heritage Trail Elementary School to promote reading and acceptance. Here, Kearie Trask’s kindergarten class. Back row: Teacher Kearie Trask, Assistant Principal Mark Leipart, Miss Illinois Jaryn Franklin, Principal Brooke Allen and teacher Hannah Godlewski.