First Lady Elee Reeves Inspires Young Minds Through Literacy Initiative in Starkville

First Lady Elee Reeves Inspires Young Minds in Starkville

Starkville, Mississippi, was abuzz with excitement as Mississippi’s First Lady, Elee Reeves, made a special appearance at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School. This enchanting visit was part of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s effort to encourage literacy and engage students with literature in a fun and interactive way.

A Thoughtful Storytime Session

Mrs. Reeves graced Ms. Hayley Henderson’s fourth-grade class with her presence, ready to share her delightful book, Mississippi’s Fred the Turtle. The book is a charming coloring and activity book that follows the adorable Fred on his adventures across the great state of Mississippi. The tale unfolds as Fred travels to notable sites and meets interesting people, all in a quest to find his way back home to the Gulf of Mexico.

As Mrs. Reeves read aloud, the students were mesmerized by Fred’s adventures and could easily picture themselves exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich history of their home state. With each turn of the page, she shared heartwarming stories from her own childhood, reminiscing about her travels throughout Mississippi, which helped bring the content of the book to life.

Interactive Q&A Session

After the reading, the students were buzzing with excitement to ask questions. Their curiosity led to an engaging discussion where Mrs. Reeves shared insights about her role as the First Lady. The students learned about the day-to-day responsibilities of the Governor, with many fascinated by what life in the Governor’s Mansion entails. One especially curious student even inquired about how Mrs. Reeves came to choose the name “Fred” for the turtle, leading to giggles and thoughtful responses among the eager young listeners.

This hands-on experience not only allowed the students to connect with Mrs. Reeves but also encouraged them to think critically about their surroundings and the importance of community leaders, fostering an early interest in civic engagement.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Before ending the day, Mrs. Reeves surprised every student by gifting them their very own copy of Mississippi’s Fred the Turtle. You could see their eyes light up with joy as they received the book, a tangible reminder of their special day with the First Lady. The excitement didn’t stop there, as Ms. Henderson’s class also had a thoughtful token of appreciation for Mrs. Reeves – a lovely cowbell, a symbol often associated with Mississippi, presented with heartfelt smiles and enthusiasm.

Furthermore, the students took the opportunity to donate to the HWS PTO in Mrs. Reeves’ name, a kind gesture that underscores the spirit of community involvement they are learning to cultivate.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

The visit from Mrs. Reeves not only sparked joy and excitement among the students, but it also highlighted the significance of literacy and storytelling in shaping young minds. As she left, the warm atmosphere in the classroom served as a testament to the success of her visit, which will surely inspire these young learners for years to come.

The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District continues to strive for excellence by nurturing the discovery and development of each student’s passion, purpose, and potential.