ROCHELLE — Students at Lincoln School celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday in a fun way with guest readers and a surprise visit from the Cat in the Hat.

Fourteen members of the community visited classrooms Friday morning, reading the likes of “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Fox in Socks” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go” just to name a few. The guest readers also shared a little about their occupations and answered some questions from the children.

The event is part of the National Education Association’s “Read Across America Day” — an annual event celebrating young students’ love of learning and reading and celebrating the birthday of the most famous and influential author of children’s books. Schools, libraries and community centers across the country participate each year with activities all centered around Dr. Seuss.

Elisa Rubeck, Reading Teacher and event organizer, said teachers in each classroom nominated a “Seuss Star,” who escorted the guest reader to the school’s reading room for a special treat and Seuss-related items.

“The students nominated by their teachers displayed our R.O.A.R.S. values on a daily basis,” Rubeck said. “These are Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility and Safety — all exemplary character traits.”

Rubeck, along with Kim Patrick and Michelle Antolik played the part of the Cats in the Hat, visiting each of the classrooms giving the students a nice surprise.

This is the second year for the event at Lincoln School; Rubeck shared the idea from a former school she taught at, thinking it would be a fun way to bring members of the community in.

“We want to show the students that adults love reading and a fun and lifelong enjoyment, not just reading 30 minutes every night during school age,” Rubeck added. “It is something you do throughout life.”

Dr. Seuss would have been 115 years old Friday. The author has penned and illustrated dozens of children’s books that are still enjoyed by kids of all ages to this day.

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