LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ONT) PARTICIPATES IN DR. SEUSS READ ACROSS AMERICA TO THE DELIGHT OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

             (Ontario, California – March 6, 2012) In recognition of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, Friday March 2nd, LA/Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) Community & Public Relations Division and ONT Bomb Detection K-9 Unit had the privilege of participating in the designated Read Across America Day at Lake Hills Elementary School in Riverside and Ranch View Elementary School in Ontario. This is an annual event sponsored by the National Education Association, and the California Teachers Association. Elementary schools throughout the country plan special events to promote and encourage a love of reading for elementary school children. 

           Airport Representatives Aymee Cruz, Lori Teague, Teresa Braden, and Bryan Melton all took part in reading to Kindergarten through fourth grade students at Lake Hills Elementary School. Bomb Detection K-9 Unit Sergeant Elliott Wade, Officer Ryan Clark with K9 “Laci”, and Officer Adonis Cutchlow with K9 “Axa” took part in reading to Kindergarten students at Ranch View Elementary School.

Officer Ryan Clark with K9 “Laci” reading to Kindergarten students at

Ranch View Elementary School in Ontario. Photo by Sgt. Wade

           Bryan Melton enjoyed the experience and read a Dr. Seuss book to his individual classes and said “The children were really excited that people who work at the airport were there to read to them.”          

           Aymee Cruz, who had participated in previous years, coordinated this year’s event to provide other airport employees an opportunity to share in this wonderful experience. 

           ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to 15 major U.S. cities and through service to many international destinations. There are approximately 114 daily flights offered by 8 air carriers. In 2011, ONT served 4.5 million passengers and processed 419,523 tons of air cargo. ONT is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with Los Angeles International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.