Alabama’s First Lady visits U.S. Jones Elementary

Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.

When Alabama’s First Lady Dianne Bentley arrived at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday afternoon, she encountered quite the welcoming party.

The small crowd assembled to greet Bentley included USJ principal Leon Clark, Demopolis City Schools Superintendent Dr. A. Griffin, USJ counselor Laura Holley, USJ librarian Emily Windham, Gina Johnston and Kim Logan. Stephen Campbell’s class of third graders were also on hand to greet her with a welcome sign.

Members of the honor club then escorted the First Lady on a tour of the school. During the tour, Bentley visited the gym where she participated in a Wii Bowling game.

Childhood literacy is a key issue on Bentley’s platform because she believes in the importance of encouraging students to read and expand their minds in the midst of today’s technological distractions. After the tour, she read to classes from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade and told them about her love for reading.

She donated a signed copy of one of the books she shared to the library. Afterwards, she shared her binder of state symbols from the state flower to the state marine mammal. The most fun reactions from the students, however, came from showing photos of the Governor’s Mansion and the Alabama-shaped swimming pool.

Students were then allowed to ask questions, which ranged from “What are your responsibilities as the governors wife” to “Do you have a maid and a limo?”

(All photos courtesy Emily Windham)

Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley with Stephen Campbell's third grade class.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley with Stephen Campbell’s third grade class.
Mrs. Pittman's fourth grade class with Alabama's First Lady Dianne Bentley.
Mrs. Pittman’s fourth grade class with Alabama’s First Lady Dianne Bentley.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley with Stephen Campbell's third grade class.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley with Stephen Campbell’s third grade class.
Jay Holley, Tori Horne, Ja'Kara Taylor and Earl Jones, members of the U.S. Jones Elementary School Honor Club, acted as tour guides for Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley Thursday.
Jay Holley, Tori Horne, Ja’Kara Taylor and Earl Jones, members of the U.S. Jones Elementary School Honor Club, acted as tour guides for Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley Thursday.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.
Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley reads to students at U.S. Jones Elementary School Thursday.
Mrs. Stokes' third grade class with Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley
Mrs. Stokes’ third grade class with Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley
Stephanie Polk's 5th grade class with Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley.
Stephanie Polk’s 5th grade class with Alabama First Lady Dianne Bentley.