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NFL players make reading fun
Published Wednesday, July 8, 2009
For a pro football player and a big, floppy turtle named Franklin, reading was fun Wednesday.
Sponsored by the Zeta Eta Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., RIF’s Reading is Fun Kickoff entertained 250 children Wednesday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.
One highlight of the event was the reading of “Franklin Goes to School” by Seattle Seahawks wide receiver and Selma native Ben Obomanu, while Franklin sat next to him in a rocking chair.
Then, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson told the crowded convention center about the value of learning to read. Johnson was a standout player at Dallas County High and Georgia Tech before being drafted this year.
Alpha Kappa Alpha president Juanda Maxwell said the efforts of Obomanu and Johnson contributed to the large number of children who attended the event.
“We knew we’d bring in a big crowd with these local players,” she said.
The students received summer reading books, and Obomanu and Johnson graciously signed every student’s book. They also posed for photos with the students, parents and event organizers.
Johnson, whose high school football field at Dallas County was dedicated to him, said he was excited to be able to help the program.
“Whenever they want to be there, wherever they want me to go,” Johnson said. “I believe in this city and I believe in the people here.”
Also reading to the younger students at the event was Labarron Mack, the District Uniserv director.
Book characters also entertained the children. They included Franklin the Turtle, Big Clifford, Little Clifford and Curious George.
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Comments
Posted by bamafan (anonymous) on July 8, 2009 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go to these two Outstanding Young Men serving as positive role models for the youth in Selma and Dallas County.
Thank you for your dedication in making a difference in the lives of the children attending.
God Bless!!
Posted by hjorgen (anonymous) on July 8, 2009 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well said bamafan
Posted by E_R_Swift_Jr (anonymous) on July 9, 2009 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The efforts of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Obomanu are great for Selma. These two young men serve as a testimony that the youth in Selma do not have to resort to the negative influences that are highly visible in the local community. In addition, these two young men have proven that a person can be successful even if he/ she comes from a small town. I liked how education was integrated into the article. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Obomanu have graduated from local high schools, (Dallas County High School and Selma High School), matriculated/ graduated college (Georgia Institute of Technology and Auburn University), and now are professional football players (Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks). Mr. Obomanu also holds a Master Degree. These are great accomplishments.
Thanks for giving back to the community and inspiring others.
Elijah R. Swift, Jr.
Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on July 9, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
These young professional athletes SHOULD be commended for these efforts. Do you know what impact these guys are making for these young kids to see a positive, productive, level headed, bright, very talented young man? CONGRATS 100%!!!! Name a street after THESE guys!!!!
Posted by bamafan (anonymous) on July 9, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you hjorgen!!
Posted by saveselma (anonymous) on July 9, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In addition to the many accomplishments that these two young men have had, I think they were both A Honor Roll students. I know that Michael Johnson was.....and both are to be commended for that also. Excelling at sports is one thing, but making the best grades while playing means that they have a plan B- just in case. I know Ben's momma and can attest that she stressed academics with him. I feel surely that Michael's parents did too. Congrats guys! You make Selma proud!!
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