Secretary Salazar Helps Department of Education Read to the Top

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett joined Education Secretary Arne Duncan for the Department of Education's summer reading initiative, “Read to the Top!”

Secretary Salazar read “Our Earth” to approximately 120 students in grades K-5 from Annandale Terrace, Parklawn and Glen Forest Elementary schools—all representing Fairfax County, Va., public schools.

The Department of Education has partnered with community organizations nationwide to combat summer reading loss in response to President Obama's national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve.” It challenges all Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service to meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn.

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Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar introduces himself to his young audience. Left to right are Education Secretary Arne Duncan, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Secretary Salazar. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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The “Read to the Top” event was held in the shadow of the Department of Education building in Washington D.C. and combats summer reading loss. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett read “America is…” to the students from Fairfax County, Va. Schools. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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“Read to the Top” is part of President Obama's national volunteer campaign, “United We Serve.” It challenges all Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful service to meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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Secretary Salazar and students from Fairfax County, Va. at the Department of Education's “Read to the Top” event. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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Secretary Salazar reads “Our Earth” to the students participating in “Read to the Top” at the Department of Education. [Photo by Tami A. Heilemann – DOI]

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