WEIRTON As part of its recent programming, children taking part in this year's Energy Express program learned about the people in their city when guest readers discussed the role they play in the community.
Carole Scheerbaum, the West Virginia University Extension Agent for Hancock County, read about how different foods make it from the farm to our plates.
Officer Rob Cook, from the Steubenville Police Department, and Lance Cpl. Rick Oddi, a U.S. Marine, read books about the community and explained how the Marines help keep neighborhoods and the nation safe.
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Marine Lance Cpl. Rick Oddi recently spent some time with the children taking part in Energy Express in Weirton, reading to them and talking about the military. -- Contributed
Terri Cline from WesBanco came to read "Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday" and explained the importance of a college education.
Bill Powers, a martial arts instructor, also took time to read to the children.
Also participating was Fireman Sam Greathouse from the Weirton Fire Department who read "Curious George and the Firefighters" and talked about his involvement in the community.
"I'm glad he helps save lives like my father who is a volunteer fireman," said Haley Richards, a child in the program.
Sara Cunningham, a mentor at the site said, "Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's events and donated their time. They are prefect examples of positive role models."
Sherri Marsella, the Weirton site supervisor, expressed her gratitude toward the guest readers who took time to read to the students and talk about their involvement in the community.
Energy Express, an award-winning statewide summer reading program, serves more than 80 children in Hancock County, providing two meals a day and reading-based educational activities that help children maintain their reading skills and good nutrition during the summer months.
AmeriCorps members support the program at Weir Middle School on Sinclair Avenue.
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, and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts. Local partners include Weirton United Way and CHANGE, Inc, who provides daily meals.
For more information or to donate supplies or money for the program, call Carole Scheerbaum at (304) 564-3805.
