``We know the single-most important skill that any person can acquire in their lifetime is the ability to read. Reading opens up endless possibilities for people to grow and become anything they desire to be. As a career-educator, my colleagues and I make it our mission to provide the basis for all students to be able to read on grade level and above each year they are in school. However, we know the ability to read starts before students even step foot inside of one of our classrooms. Successful readers have their foundation laid at home, but not every family has access to quality reading materials for our youngest learners. Enter the Ferst Foundation of Henry County. Now known as the Ferst Readers of Henry County, this organization is going above and beyond to make sure children in Henry County have access to books and other literacy support at the earliest ages in order for these young learners to be able to enter school ready to excel. No child should be void of opportunities to read or be read to prior to starting school. No child should be limited in their access to quality reading materials for any reason. The Ferst Readers of Henry County works diligently to make sure neither scenario happens, and we could not be more grateful for their efforts. There are many community partners who support their efforts, and we are proud to be partners, too. Our schools and district leaders have backed the efforts of the Ferst Foundation for many years, and efforts to provide financial support through fundraisers and awareness campaigns continues to prove pivotal for the organization's sustained success. I am so proud to live in a community that values the importance of reading and early childhood literacy, and I am proud to be a supporter of this outstanding organization alongside business and community leaders who have the same values and hopes for our future generations.``
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis
Superintendent, Henry County Schools