Posted 9:32 pm Sunday, January 08, 2012
Barbara Bush Returns To Tyler To Promote Area Literacy
It will be a reunion when former first lady Barbara Bush comes to Tyler on Jan. 24 in Literacy Council of Tyler's “Celebration of Literacy.”
Mrs. Bush was also the special guest at a “Celebration of Learning” on Feb. 12, 1997, co-sponsored by LCOT. Mrs. Bush, who had just been voted the most admired woman in America, spoke before 680 packed into Harvey Convention Center.
In a talk filled with humor, she provided an update on the first family's activities — including that of her son, then Texas Gov. and future president George W. Bush — and spoke on the importance of literacy.
As first lady, she had traveled the nation promoting reading to children and literacy.
Her message then rings just as true today.
Mrs. Bush was also the special guest at a “Celebration of Learning” on Feb. 12, 1997, co-sponsored by LCOT. Mrs. Bush, who had just been voted the most admired woman in America, spoke before 680 packed into Harvey Convention Center.
In a talk filled with humor, she provided an update on the first family's activities — including that of her son, then Texas Gov. and future president George W. Bush — and spoke on the importance of literacy.
As first lady, she had traveled the nation promoting reading to children and literacy.
Her message then rings just as true today.
“Of course, I'm prejudiced, but I truly believe there is no better place for community activism than the education of our children in making us a more literate nation,” she said during a well-received presentation.
Mrs. Bush said if more people could read, write and comprehend, the nation would be better.
“We would be so much closer to solving many of the other problems we face today. Poor literacy skills often are connected, both directly and indirectly, with such problems as crime, teen-age pregnancy, drug abuse and homelessness.”
Mrs. Bush said that progress was being made in the literacy movement.
Mrs. Bush said if more people could read, write and comprehend, the nation would be better.
“We would be so much closer to solving many of the other problems we face today. Poor literacy skills often are connected, both directly and indirectly, with such problems as crime, teen-age pregnancy, drug abuse and homelessness.”
Mrs. Bush said that progress was being made in the literacy movement.
“Nowhere is there a larger effort under way than right here in Texas,” she said, pointing out that as governor her son had made it a goal for every third-grader in Texas public school be able to read.
“And of course, there is the outstanding work being done right here in Tyler,” she continued, urging East Texans to continue the cause of literacy.
“And of course, there is the outstanding work being done right here in Tyler,” she continued, urging East Texans to continue the cause of literacy.
Nancy Crawford, LCOT executive director, says that the fight against literacy has grown since Mrs. Bush's first visit.
“When Mrs. Bush spoke to our community 15 years ago, we were a small organization and there was limited awareness of illiteracy in Tyler. We've gone from serving 600 students per year to about 2,500 students per year, and really feel like much of our success is thanks to Mrs. Bush. We are so honored to have her back.”
“When Mrs. Bush spoke to our community 15 years ago, we were a small organization and there was limited awareness of illiteracy in Tyler. We've gone from serving 600 students per year to about 2,500 students per year, and really feel like much of our success is thanks to Mrs. Bush. We are so honored to have her back.”
General admission tickets to the event at Harvey Convention Center cost $65 and are on sale at Tyler-area Brookshire s stores and FRESH and online at lcotyler.org.
Preferred seating tickets and table sponsorships are available at LCOT offices on TJC's West Campus, 1530 SSW Loop 323, or by calling 903-780-1150. Sponsors receive premium seating and admission to a VIP reception with Mrs. Bush.
Contact Danny Mogle at 903-596-6256 or dmogle@tylerpaper.com.
Preferred seating tickets and table sponsorships are available at LCOT offices on TJC's West Campus, 1530 SSW Loop 323, or by calling 903-780-1150. Sponsors receive premium seating and admission to a VIP reception with Mrs. Bush.
Contact Danny Mogle at 903-596-6256 or dmogle@tylerpaper.com.
