March 5, 2004

Devin Brown and His Mom Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 100th Birthday

There was laughter, learning and fun as Spurs guard Devin Brown and his mother Ann Brown joined 26 fourth graders from Bowie Elementary School to celebrate Read Across America Day. These special students attended Dr. Seuss’ 100th birthday party as a reward from their principal for their hard work preparing for the TAKS test.

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ 100th birthday, Devin and his mother read “I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!” After the story, they talked to the group about the impact that Dr. Seuss has had on literacy. The celebration was made complete when everyone joined together to blow out the candles and enjoy delicious birthday cake.

In partnership with the NBA’s Read to Achieve Program, The Spurs Foundation and Borders Books & Music sponsored the event to help promote local literacy.

The NBA’s Read to Achieve program is a year-round campaign to help young people develop a life-long love for reading and encourage adults to read regularly with children. It is especially important for San Antonio to embrace literacy, as the 2002 National Adult Literacy Survey reports that 58% of San Antonio’s population is functionally illiterate. By this measure, about half of the adults in San Antonio lack the basic skills to compete successfully in the workplace.