Published: July 03, 2008 10:20 pm         

Fire, EMS workers read to Coal City students

In celebration of the Fourth of July, Energy Express students at Coal City Elementary School were read to Thursday by Sophia City Fire Department and General Ambulance personnel.

Energy Express, an award-winning reading program serving Raleigh County, hosted the event for 40 children.

Energy Express provides children from first through sixth grades with two meals a day and reading-based educational activities, aiding the children in their reading skills and nutritional needs over the summer. AmeriCorps members, including college students and community residents, support the program, which will run through July 29.

“We’re having a great session this year with the children,” said Janet Smith, Energy Express site supervisor.

Smith went on to say, “It’s important to have various activities that include readings by great role models for the children.”

Children in grades K-6 enjoyed “Your Body,” read by General Ambulance employee Darryl Hughes, and “All About Firefighters,” read by Sophia City firefighter Jessica Rose.

Those stories were read in small groups with question and answer sessions following.

General also gave the children temporary tattoos and lollipops. And as a treat, the children were given popsicles.

Other Sophia City Fire Department officials on hand were firefighter Zack Honaker and assistant fire chief Mark Trotter.

Major funding for Energy Express comes from the West Virginia University Extension Service, the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service, the summer food service program through the West Virginia Department of Education, Raleigh County Board of Education, Raleigh County bus transportation and Raleigh County Food Services.

For more information about Energy Express events, call the WVU Energy Express office at 293-3866 or e-mail Energy Express at Energy.Express@mail.wvu.edu.

— E-mail: amorici

@register-herald.com