Students in Altamaha Technical College’s Academic Support Center in Long County are celebrating National Literacy Month by reading to Head Start children every Friday in September.

And to take the celebration a step further, the Academic Support Center students will read a short story they collectively wrote, academic support instructor Betty Baker said.

“The more they write, the more they improve,” Baker said.

The readings, which also include a selection of children’s books, began Sept. 7 and conclude Sept. 28.

To draw attention to literacy month in the community, the academic support students designed posters showcasing the importance of literacy. The posters will be displayed in the Ludowici library during September. The posters will be judged on creativity and expression, and the winner will receive a $20 gift certificate.

Other National Literacy Month events at the Long County Academic Support Center include “Bring a Friend Day” on Sept. 18, when a guest speaker from the Telamon Corporation in Midway will talk about scholarship and job opportunities. Several Long County senior citizens will speak to the students Sept. 19.

“We are trying to involve students as well as members of the community in our celebration,” Baker said. “Some seniors attend our classes to brush up on what they know and to keep their minds fresh. They plan to invite their friends to share their experience with educational difficulties and encourage (students) to stay on track in the academic support programs and beyond.”

GED-preparation classes at the Long County Academic Support Center are offered at no charge to the general public. To learn more, call Baker at 545-2913.