New York, NY (July 19, 2004) -- First Lady Anita Perry of Texas and First Gentleman Daniel Mulhern of Michigan have been announced as this year's U.S. Ambassadors of Reading co-chairs for the sixth annual Scholastic Read For 2005, a worldwide initiative in which millions of children, parents and teachers around the globe spend a day celebrating reading. Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company, together with the newly appointed US Gubernatorial co-chairs, declare Friday, December 3rd, 2004 as the official Scholastic Read For 2005 Day of Reading. On this day, children worldwide are encouraged to read a book of their choice for 2,005 seconds (approximately 33 1/3 minutes).
 
As this year's Scholastic Read For 2005 co-chairs, Mrs. Perry and Mr. Mulhern will lead the nation in reading and encourage other fellow Gubernatorial First Spouses to sign-on and serve as Scholastic Read For 2005 Ambassadors of Reading in their respective states. In recognition of their commitment to supporting reading, Perry and Mulhern will each receive 1,000 children's books from Scholastic Book Clubs to donate to a local school, library or charity of their choice. Each additional governors' spouse to enroll as an Ambassador of Reading for Scholastic Read For 2005 will receive a donation of 500 children's books.
 
“This program not only excites children about reading, but also encourages adults in their lives to participate,” Perry said. “Rick and I have wonderful memories of reading to and with our children, and encourage all Americans to share this rewarding pastime with the young people in their lives.” - Anita Perry
 
“This is an incredible opportunity for the State of Michigan to be in the national spotlight when it comes to our early literacy efforts and our initiatives to improve reading in our schools,” Mulhern said. “Reading is an essential life skill that prepares children to be successful adults who tend to go on to college and earn more in their careers. Reading is linked to our economic success as a state and nation, and that is why the Governors' spouses are committed to this critical program with Scholastic.” - Daniel Granholm Mulhern
 
Last year, Scholastic Read For 2004 literally swept the world as classrooms from South Carolina to Sri Lanka joined together to spend the day reading. More than 1 million children and 24,000 teachers - in all 50 U.S. states and more than 37 countries internationally read together. In the U.S., 40 Gubernatorial First Spouses served as Ambassadors of Reading, leading statewide celebrations of reading in their communities - reading to children in local schools and libraries or inviting classrooms to the Governors' mansions for reading events. Many governors' offices issued proclamations to declare a statewide day of reading for all children.
 
“We thank First Lady Perry and First Gentleman Mulhern for supporting Scholastic Read For 2005 and helping to ensure that all children are able to enjoy the wonderful gift of reading,” said Dick Robinson, President and CEO of Scholastic. “For the past six years, the U.S. Gubernatorial First Spouses have continued to show tremendous support for this reading initiative by encouraging millions of children, teachers and parents around the country to pick up a book and read.”
 
In 1999, Scholastic launched the “Read For …” campaign to commemorate the millennium and unite children and classrooms in a global celebration of reading. “Scholastic Read For…” was quickly embraced by schools around the world and continues to bring reading and the joy of learning into homes and classrooms.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

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