Foley, Ala. -  Foley Middle School celebrated "Read Across America Day" Wednesday to honor Dr. Seuss' birthday with costume contests and reading sessions during the day.

    "A group of students went to the elementary school and read to first and second graders," Sue Norman, FMS librarian, said. "We also had a costume contest where students could dress up as characters from a story."

    Norman said the state of Alabama's improved child reading statistics fall in line with the campaign theme.

    "Each state also runs their own campaign. Ours is called 'Read Across Alabama.' The theme this year is related to the championships we had," she said. "The theme was 'Be a champion and read.' It's sponsored by the Alabama Reading Association. This past year Auburn won, and the year before Alabama won; but in 2007 Alabama was tops in the country for elementary reading gains."

    Foley Elementary School will celebrate "Read Across America Day" on Friday.

    "We're having the children and the teachers dressing up as their favorite book character and we'll have community members coming to read from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.," FES Principal Bill Lawrence said. "Most of the country is celebrating today but we're doing it on Friday. It's just easier on us."