Griffo Reads With Watson-Williams Students,
Calls Reading ‘Vital to Everyone’s Future’

Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today exchanged reading budgets and reports for reading a story with Miss Murphy’s fourth-grade class at Utica’s Watson-Williams Elementary School as part of the school’s Community Reading Day.

"Reading is the foundation to everything we do in life; it’s vital to everyone’s future," Griffo said. "Books can open the door to ideas and cultures from all over the world. With the Internet bringing the resources of the globe to our homes, schools and libraries, reading opens new gateways to everyone."

Griffo said the Community Reading Day was an enjoyable experience. "Watson-Williams has some great teachers who work hard to help their students set high goals and reach them," he said. "There is a great culture of achievement and a spirit of energy in the school that I found very uplifting. I salute the teachers who work with these young people, and the parents who give their children the support they need at home."

Griffo urged area parents to read with their young children.

"Reading to kids is great fun for adults," Griffo said. "It’s also a wonderful way to open the doors of a child’s imagination and help children learn."