Coral Springs Elementary School with Read for the Record 2026. {David Volz}
Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Chief John Whalen wants to support the children in his community.
He was among a group of police officers and municipal personnel who spent the morning of February 26 reading to students at Coral Springs Elementary School.
They read the children’s book “See Marcus Grow,” by Marcus Bridgewater.
Whalen wants to encourage young people to read. “I am here because I want to help the youth of our community and give back. I want to show the children that reading is good,” he said.
Major Edmond DeRosa, a Coral Springs police officer, also volunteered. He wanted to spend time with the children and said it is important for children to learn to read.
The school’s cheerleading team gave the volunteers an enthusiastic welcome.
The officers were part of Broward County Public Schools’ participation in Read for the Record 2026 on February 26. The goal is to create a shared reading experience that promotes early literacy and inspires a love of reading.
A copy of “See Marcus Grow” was given to all pre-K and kindergarten students in Broward County, and about 40,000 children received a free book, according to information from Broward Schools.
Alicia Holligan, a literacy coach at Coral Springs Elementary, liked seeing police officers and first responders come to read to the children. “I want the children to enjoy reading books,” she said.
The book is about gardening and perseverance, something that Keandra Fulton, the school’s principal, wants to instill in the children. “
I want the children to believe in themselves and know that reading can be fun. Many people associate reading with preparing for tests, but I want children to see that it can be enjoyable,” she said.
“Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement,” said Broward Schools Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn in a statement. “By coming together for Read for the Record, we are not only putting books into children’s hands, but we are also inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and creating joyful learning experiences that help our youngest students thrive.”
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