First Responders Honored at 26th Annual March Around the Courthouse

SAN ANGELO, TX - This afternoon, the 26th annual March Around the Courthouse event brought over 1,000 children together to read along with the first responders of Tom Green County.

Sally Meyers, who ran the event, talked about the special significance of this year’s march and having the first responders meet and greet the children.

In the past, authors from all over the U.S. were invited to come meet the children of San Angelo; however, this year, there was a special focus on local heroes whom the children look up to and admire.

“This year, we [realized] that we needed to give a very positive reinforcement to our public servants,” Meyers said.

For inspiration leading up to the event, the children spent the last month reading about public servants and all the services they provide for the community. 

“The children came prepared; and when we say thank you, we actually mean it,” Meyers said. "We want to thank every police officer and firefighter for their service." 

San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter showed great appreciation for Meyers and her team for helping make this event happen.    

“It starts in the classroom, [and] educating these youngsters that the police officers are not out to hurt them,” he said. 

After the march and spending time with first responders, the children broke off into groups and older students began reading to them. Some had interactive material in their stories, including hand puppets and stuffed animals, to accompany the narratives.

San Angelo Police Officer Austin Covey talked about the significance of this march and what it means to the community.

“I think it’s really awesome that the kids and the rest of the community can show their support for the police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders,” Covey said. “It’s a good feeling to know that people appreciate me and my fellow co-workers for what we do.”

He also showed appreciation for the initiative, and stressed the importance of reading early on in a child’s development.

“It’s very important, especially with how competitive schools are these days,” Covey added. “It will help [students] through middle school, high school, and college.”

Overall, 10 schools attended the book march with roughly 1,000 children from kindergarten through second grade, and there were 250 students from middle school through high school.

The Central High School Bobcat Band was also present to kick off the event.

“The drum line was magnificent,” Meyers said. “[It] was a great way to bring us all together.”  

Meyers added that she will continue to keep this program going, and will make sure to have a new theme ready for next year’s event.