Coast Guardsmen stationed on St. Croix participated in the V.I. Department of Human Services Head Start program’s read-in activity Friday at the Community Methodist Head Start facility, according to the Coast Guard.
The read-in activity began Feb.10 and is scheduled to end Friday. It is part of Black History Month celebrations in the territory.
Nedarrey Knight, Head Start Program parent involvement coordinator, said they invited the Coast Guard to “expose our Head Start children to outstanding male role models who have and continue to make significant contributions to the community by having them read to the children in their classrooms.”
Chief Warrant Officer Brian M. Hennessy, stationed at Resident Inspection Office Saint Croix, explained that Coast Guard personnel read stories to almost 200 children ages 4 and 5, including children from the Frederiksted, Williams Delight and Prince Street Head Start facilities.
“It is deeply gratifying and humbling to have the privilege of being a positive role model for the youth of the community,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Jarrett.
Knight said the children were excited to see and spend time with the Coast Guardsmen, listening with interest to the stories read to them. The children also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the service the Coast Guard provides to the community.
