PERU — Dirigo Elementary School will celebrate Read Across America Day on Friday by inviting “heroes” to read to students, teacher Bethany Poulin said.

She said there will be “all kinds of heroes there,” including “troops, firemen, teachers and a local hero who was involved in helping with a tragic car crash in Peru several weeks ago.

“She is also our high school librarian and former Dirigo Elementary School librarian,” Poulin said. “I think it’s great that the kids will get to see how anyone can be a hero.”

The readings will run from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. At at 1:45 p.m. the entire school will participate in Everything and Read.

“Everyone goes into the halls, alcoves, nooks and crannies and reads together,” Poulin said. “It’s amazing. I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think we’ve done this event to some degree every year since I came to Dirigo Elementary School in 2008.”

Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss’ Day, was begun 17 years ago by the National Education Association and is usually held March 2 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Schools, libraries and community centers across the country celebrate by having children focus on reading activities.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com