Beall Elementary Visited by MSEA, ACEA as Part of Read Across America Week

CUMBERLAND, Md. — March 16, 2026 —Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle visited Beall Elementary School on Wednesday, March 4, delivering a collection of new books as part of MSEA’s Read Across America program.

Lemle was joined by Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano, Board of Education Members Max Green and Lori Lepley, Allegany County Education Association President Kim Sloane, UniServ Director Cresta Kowalski, and UniServ Intern Alicia Walz.

MSEA celebrates Read Across America throughout March, which is National Reading Month, and donates new book collections to schools statewide. The books are selected to allow more students to see themselves reflected in positive stories. Allegany County Education Association selected Beall Elementary as a school that has a particular need for new books or has an especially robust reading program, where a collection of books will make a positive difference. Beall Elementary staff and students gathered in the school’s media center for the special celebration.

During the celebration, which coincided with “Wacky Wednesday” and Read Across America’s Spirit Week, Principal Shannon Ralston honored longtime kindergarten teacher, Michelle Saville, for her work inspiring students to read.

Guest readers from MSEA, ACEA, ACPS, and the Allegany County Board of Education debuted several of the new books with students. Allegany County Public Schools reminds everyone that March is a great time to pick up the habit of reading.

Media Contact: Kris Kehrwald, Public Information Officer, 301-759-2031