State's First Lady: The world is yours in a book

By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Danville-Neel Elementary School recently welcomed Alabama's First Lady Patsy Riley as a special guest reader for first and second grade students.The DNES Student Council and Litter Patrol greeted Riley at the entrance of the school with a special song, written and choreographed by fourth grade teacher Jane Knight, entitled "Welcome, Mrs. Riley." At the end of the performance, the first lady was presented with a bouquet of roses.
"This is one for my memory book," Riley told the students. "I will definitely always remember this special greeting."
Morgan County Superintendent Don Murphy, Morgan County Board of Education member Carolyn Wallace, Morgan County Chief Learning Officer/Elementary Education Division Jeremy Jones, and other community representatives joined DNES Principal Glenn Lang in welcoming Riley to the school.
Before reading "Norma Jean, Jumping Bean," Riley complimented students and school leaders on the beauty and cleanliness of their campus, talked a little Alabama vs. Auburn football, and stressed the importance of reading.
"You can go anywhere in the world and be anything you want to be by opening a book," Riley told students.
Her reading was met with laughter and applause and ended with a few important questions from curious students, including, "Are you Bob Riley's wife?"
Riley was also a guest speaker at the Decatur Country Club during a women's luncheon last Friday.