Governor’s wife visits Bobby Ray
Bobby Ray students love to read and Tennessee’s First Lady Andrea Conte gave them 500 more reasons to keep on reading.
During an assembly in the Bobby Ray gymnasium on Tuesday the First Lady stopped to visit with students and drop off 500 books for the Bobby Ray library. The books came from Scholastic Book Club.
Participation in Scholastic’s annual reading program for First Spouses across the country earns them the title Ambassador of Reading and they receive 500 books to donate to any library, school or charity of their choice. Last year, Conte gave her 500 books to the Tennessee chapter of Child Advocacy Centers for distribution.
Conte, who visited Bobby Ray on her walk across the state in 2004, was so moved by the contribution the children made to her cause and the welcome she received, she decided to give the books to the school library.
During her address to the student body at Bobby Ray, Conte described her great love for reading and its impact on her life. She also said at her office Bobby Ray was “absolutely a unanimous choice” to receive the books.
“Bobby Ray made such and impression on me when I came through with the walk.” said Conte, “Its people, who don’t have a lot to give, are first in line, ready to give to help others.” Conte added, “these students are wonderful; they made a contribution to the walk, they had original music and they sang. It was just a great experience to be here.”
“I always walk out of Bobby Ray with a lot more than I walked in with because these kids give so much back,” Conte said.
The students and staff presented Conte with gifts as well. For Governor Bredesen, original artwork from Carol Neal, an artist and teacher at Bobby Ray, a calendar made by the students for her desk and a Bobby Ray tee-shirt identical to the ones worn by all of the students in the audience.
Following the presentation Conte posed for photos with the Bobby Ray staff and stopped to chat with students.
“I’m overwhelmed,” said Principal Bonnie Collier, “It was such an honor when she (Conte) said, instantly, they were able to decide on Bobby Ray when they thought of the books. I just can’t think of a higher compliment.”
“For Bobby Ray to be chosen out of all of the places Ms. Conte’s been, I think it is a tremendous honor,” said Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale, who also attended the event. “It shows they are putting into action what they’ve said, that reading is the key.”
Hale added, “It is quite a testament to Warren County schools, Bobby Ray and to Ms. Collier,” he added.