Mayor, Mascot Read at Robey

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Mayor Ballard and Colt's Blue

Photo by Linda Karn

(posted Mar 3)

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard survived the antics of the Colts' mascot Blue while reading to Robey Elementary students on March 2. Ballard read Blue's version of Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham as part of the students' celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. The National Education Association's Read Across America program focuses on motivating children to read and is held close to Seuss' March 2 birthday.

First Grade Teacher Nancy Rodia has been organizing the event for the last four years and this year was able to have the Mayor and Blue as the featured special guests. It's her passion for reading that inspired her to organize the event. She said that 20 community leaders volunteered to read to the students for the day. Volunteers included meteorologist Kevin Gregory, State Representative Phil Hinkle and Wayne Township School Superintendent Dr. Terry Thompson.

Ballard said he was glad to participate and called the event "fun." He talked about the critical importance for children to learn to read. He emphasized the positive effect that adults can have on children by reading to them. He views reading as an opportunity for adults to serve as models.

Ballard commended Blue's involvement with the reading program.

Kat Taylor of the Colts said Blue has been around since 2006 and that Blue wants to be involved with the Colt's next generation of fans. Blue's visitation to schools have increased from 75 to 300 within one year. Taylor said that Blue developed his own five core principle program called Take PRIDE In Yourself, to take to the schools. It teaches children about physical education, respect, intelligent decisions (don't do drugs), diet and education. His strong PRIDE messages are "dressed up with humor."

"This is the second year for the program," Taylor said.

Blue's involvement with Read Across America for the week is stepping outside the PRIDE message. She said he selected the book Green Eggs and Ham and "adapted a Blue flavor" to it.