As a line of pre-kindergarten students marched through shouting “books are fun,” the Liberty County School System kicked off its Power of 100 literacy campaign Monday morning.

The event was held in conjunction with the national Read Across America Day.

“As we unveil the Power of 100, our goal is to build a literacy-based community,” said Superintendent of Schools Debra Frazier. “Today marks an important step forward for the Liberty County school system and for our entire community.”

School system public relations director Genese Baker noted research shows that early literacy experiences, such as reading aloud, vocabulary development and engagement with books, shape brain development, language growth, confidence and academic achievement.

“Literacy is the foundation of every opportunity our students will ever have,” Frazier said.

The school system is seeking partnerships from the community to help push the effort forward. The schools are looking for volunteers to read to a child in the school system for 30 minutes a day twice a month. They also are looking for businesses, organizations and churches to stock tables with free books at events or sponsor classroom libraries and book drives.

“Your investment in time, resources and encouragement makes a lasting impact,” said deputy superintendent Dr. Zheadric Barbra. “Our students know they are supported not just by teachers but by an entire community.”

Frazier issued a call for “100 committed partners, volunteers, who will stand together and ensure every child reads on grade level or beyond.”

She added that reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation.

“When a child reads proficiently, doors open,” Frazier said. “When students read well, they lead well. When students read confidently, they dream boldly.”

Dr. Barbra also encouraged business leaders and community leaders to share literacy resources on their social media platforms and through their business communication bulletins or newsletters.

“Every action matters,” he said. “Every reader matters.”

He also urged adults to read for at least 20 minutes a day at home.

“We’re committing to sustaining action to grow literacy in our schools and throughout the community,” said Kellie Zeigler, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. “Reading is not just a classroom responsibility, it is a community responsibility and it starts in the home.”

Improving literacy in the county was one of three focal points determined by last fall’s countywide retreat. The schools are reaching out to a wide network for help in the effort, including local governments, the Live Oak Public Library System, businesses, faith-based organizations and churches and Liberty Regional Medical Center.

“We are building readers together and we are building leaders and we are building a stronger Liberty County,” Frazier said. “It strengthens its workforce, its economy and community engagement.”

For more information, visit the Literacy Leaders tab on the school system’s web page (libertyschools. org).