HERSHEY, NE – Hershey Public Schools proudly celebrated Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Week today by welcoming an outstanding group of community guest readers into our classrooms. From Preschool through 6th grade, our Panthers enjoyed a special literacy experience made even more exciting with a “Mystery Guest Reader” twist!
Each grade level was given three clues ahead of time to guess who their special reader would be. The anticipation, curiosity, and excitement filled our hallways as students worked together to solve the mystery before their guest arrived.
Read Across America Week reminds us of the importance of reading at an early age and reinforcing a lifelong passion for literacy. Reading strengthens vocabulary, builds imagination, develops critical thinking skills, and opens doors to future opportunities. At HPS, we are committed to nurturing strong readers and confident learners — and today was a wonderful celebration of that commitment.
📚 8:30 – 8:50 AM Guest Readers & Mystery Clues
PK – Clay Lamphear (Custodian)
Clues:
I help keep your school shiny, clean, and safe every single day.
If something spills, breaks, or needs fixing… I’m your guy!
You probably see me in the hallways before most of you even arrive at school.
TK – Josh Bode (Farmer)
Clues:
I work outside and help grow food that people eat every day.
My job sometimes starts before the sun comes up!
I drive big machines that work in fields instead of on highways.
Kindergarten – Brylee Thompson (Hershey Graduate / Rodeo Queen)
Clues:
I wear boots and a crown — but not the kind you see in fairy tales.
I compete in rodeos and represent my community with pride.
I once walked the same halls you are walking right now!
1st Grade – Kayla Star (Birdwood Beef – Family Business)
Clues:
My family helps raise cattle right here in our community.
I know a lot about ranch life and working outdoors.
You might say my job is connected to hamburgers and steak!
2nd Grade – Katie Fowler (Miss Northwest Teen / Hershey Student)
Clues:
I wear a crown, but I also work hard in school just like you.
I represent our area in competitions and community events.
I use confidence, leadership, and kindness wherever I go.
3rd Grade – Deputy Tyler Schultz (Lincoln County Deputy)
Clues:
I wear a badge and help keep people safe in our county.
I drive a vehicle with flashing lights.
My job is to protect, serve, and help people make good choices.
4th Grade – Jason Bode (Board Member)
Clues:
I help make important decisions about your school district.
I attend meetings to support students and teachers.
My job is to help guide the future of our Panthers.
5th Grade – Allie Norquest (Hershey Telephone Company)
Clues:
I help people stay connected with phones and the internet.
My job makes it possible for you to call, text, and go online.
Without my company, your Wi-Fi might take a vacation!
6th Grade – Heather Harwager (Hershey State Bank Representative)
Clues:
I help people save money and plan for their future.
My workplace has a big vault to keep important things safe.
I work where people deposit checks and count money.
📚 9:00 – 9:20 AM Guest Readers & Mystery Clues
PK – Teresa Cox (Retired Preschool Teacher)
Clues:
I spent many years teaching some of the youngest learners in our school.
I helped students learn their letters, numbers, and how to share.
Even though I’m retired, I still love reading to children!
Kindergarten – Jodi Seamann (Board Member)
Clues:
I help support and lead our school district from behind the scenes.
I attend meetings that help make decisions for all students.
I care deeply about helping young learners grow and succeed.
1st Grade – Eric Lowman (Parent – 1st & 6th Grade)
Clues:
I have two children who attend this school right now.
I get to see homework from both elementary and upper grades!
Today, I’m visiting to read to Panthers like my own kids.
3rd Grade – David Colvin (Farmer – Daughter in 3rd Grade)
Clues:
I work on a farm and help grow crops.
I know a lot about tractors and harvesting.
I have a child right here in this building.
📚 10:00 – 10:20 AM Guest Readers & Mystery Clues
4th Grade – Ed Etherton (Firefighter – North Platte & Hershey)
Clues:
I wear heavy gear and rush toward emergencies when others run away.
I ride in a big red truck with sirens.
My job is to keep people safe from fires and other dangers.
5th Grade – Amy Wolfskill (Board Member – 5th & 6th Grade Parent)
Clues:
I help make important decisions for our school district.
I have daughters in the upper elementary grades.
I work behind the scenes to support students like you.
6th Grade – Nebraska State Patrol (Trooper Ryan Hayes & Trooper Haylee Sitzman)
Clues:
I travel highways across Nebraska to help keep drivers safe.
I wear a uniform and a special hat.
You might see my vehicle parked along the road watching traffic carefully.
We are incredibly grateful to every guest reader who donated their time, effort, and energy to invest in the next generation of Panthers. Your willingness to step into our classrooms sends a powerful message: our community believes in education, supports literacy, and cares deeply about our students.
Today was a wonderful example of the strong partnerships that make Hershey Public Schools such a special place. When our students see community leaders, parents, business owners, first responders, and alumni reading to them, they see that reading matters — not just in school, but in life.
Thank you for helping us make Read Across America Week a meaningful and memorable celebration of literacy at HPS.
🐾📚
Mr. Thomsen
Hershey Public Schools
