HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School had a special visitor Tuesday morning.

And, she happens to be a former teacher. But now, instead of leading classes, she’s leading the state government.

Gov. Kay Ivey stopped by to speak to the school’s students about the importance of reading and having a strong work ethic.

She began her discussion with the students by reading aloud a book entitled “Alabama: My Home Sweet Home,” which referenced Huntsville.

“So, we have a book here called ‘Alabama: My Home Sweet Home,’” she told the students. “It covers travels and places of Alabama importance and highlights people all throughout the state, from Huntsville all the way down to the Gulf beaches.

“Here we have a picture of Huntsville where men and women make rockets. Maybe one day want you want to make a rocket, but first you have to be a good student.”

Ivey also told the students to set a personal goal of at least reading a little each day.

“Read a few pages if you can’t read the whole thing in one sitting,” said the former teacher.
“Be sure to read everyday. The governor wants you to be very successful because one of these days you’re going to be our leaders. Maybe one of you wants to be governor one day. You can do that. But you have to work hard as a student, study hard, work hard, and be a good student.

“Y’all be sure to dream big. What you want to do and become, work hard to get there because you can do it.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.