Bellmawr: Phanatic About Reading

Making a special trip from his winter home in the Galapagos Islands, the big, furry green guy greeted the students in the All-Purpose Room for an hour-long assembly full of music, dancing, and a special reading by Principal Elizabeth Calabria.

Teacher Susan Hubbard said six students, part of a combined mainstream and special education curriculum, read enough books to be selected for the special event.

Along with Student Teacher Shana Keenan, the three first and three second graders sat in the front row as Mrs. Calabria read.

The Phanatic cavorted about, kissing people on the head, and throwing confetti around the room at will.

A Phillies representative said that Mrs. Hubbard’s class, comprised of First Graders Kristina B., Mark H., and Robert P., along with Second Graders Brandon D., Edward M., and Taylor M., was picked out of over 1,500 entries across the tri-state area.

Special emphasis was made of this feat, as only six students won out over larger classes throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

According to a \”friend\” of the Phanatic, the demand for appearances has them scheduled for several more through and including May. He said this is directly attributed to the Phillies’ World Series victory in October.

The \”Phanatic About Reading\” program took place in conjunction with the \”Read Across America\” program held throughout the country.