Special Guests Read Aloud At Lakeside Elementary School

MERRICK, NY. — Lakeside Elementary students got to hear stories from some special guest readers Thursday, as the school hosted its annual Community Read Aloud event.

Among the special guests were County Legislator Seth Koslow, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray and State Senator Steve Rhoads, while author Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrator Jay Cooper also visited with young readers.

Capucilli wrote the “Biscuit” series, while Cooper illustrated the series, “The Last Comics on Earth.”

Community Read Aloud was a team effort between school librarian Melissa Levine and members of the PTA, featuring themed spirit days over the week of the event. The read aloud event kicked off PARP week, short for “Pick A Reading Partner,” at Lakeside.

Nearing its 50th year, PARP encourages adults to read with a child in their life for at least 20 minutes per-day. The program includes an annual award, which was given to Meadow Elementary School in Baldwin for the 2024-25 school year.

“This year’s theme, ‘Reading is Sweet,’ reminds us that books come in every flavor —
and there is always something inside a book that brings a reading treat for every reader,”
Levine said. “Some make us laugh, some make us think, and all of them fill our imaginations with something special.”

District officials said the volunteers brought “enthusiasm and warm energy” to their read aloud sessions.