Mayor Waites Inspires Young Minds During Read Across America Week
Mayor Waites read We Are One by Jackie Azúa Kramer, captivating the young audience with his expressive storytelling and warm presence.
BAKER, La. — Pre-kindergarten students at Baker Heights Elementary School were in for a special treat as Mayor Darnell Waites joined them for Read Across America Week, bringing enthusiasm and inspiration to the classroom.
Mayor Waites read We Are One by Jackie Azúa Kramer, captivating the young audience with his expressive storytelling and warm presence. Inviting the children to read along, he made everyone feel welcome, turning the moment into an interactive and joyful experience.
"He read with such flair, and the children were completely engaged," said one teacher, describing the excitement in the room as the students hung on to every word.
After finishing the book, Mayor Waites left the children with powerful words of encouragement. “Always remember, you can be whatever you want to be. And don’t ever stop dreaming,” he told them. “If you believe in yourself, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”
The visit was part of a nationwide effort to promote literacy and foster a love for reading among young learners. For the students at Baker Heights, it was more than just a reading session—it was a moment of inspiration that could shape their futures.
