State Representative Mike Dovilla (R–Berea) was joined recently in Columbus by Strongsville residents Colleen and Rachel George, students at Whitney Elementary School, winners of the House District 18 “Representative for a Day” reading contest. The George girls were accompanied by their parents, Tom and Mary George.

“One of the great privileges of serving as state representative is the opportunity to welcome young citizens and their families to the People’s House,” said Dovilla. “The enthusiasm Colleen and Rachel brought with them to the Statehouse demonstrated how meaningful the “Representative for a Day” program is for future leaders of the Buckeye State. I plan to renew my partnership this winter with area libraries in order to provide more residents with this experience, which recognizes and rewards our children’s commitment to reading and learning.”

In partnership with the Cuyahoga County Library, Rep. Dovilla initiated the “Legislator for a Day” reading program. Children in grades one through six participated in the program by visiting the Berea, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls or Strongsville branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, picking up a bookmark and recording five books that they read on the back of the bookmark. The completed bookmark served as an entry form for selection as a “Legislator for a Day.”

Rep. Dovilla will announce another round of his elementary school reading contest in early 2012.