AUSTIN – First Lady Cecilia Abbott today joined educators across Texas and the United States in celebrating Read Across America Day. Mrs. Abbott celebrated by reading “Sam Houston, Standing Firm” by Mary Dodson Wade to first grade students at Parker Elementary School in Galveston. Today also marks the anniversary of Sam Houston’s birthday, as well as his signing the Texas Declaration of Independence.

“The most important thing for the future of the state of Texas is education, and that starts with sharing the joys of reading with our children,” the First Lady said. “By promoting and encouraging reading, we are equipping our children with the tools necessary to build the strongest possible foundation for their education and for the future of Texas.”