Students at Tyrone Elementary School got a surprise on Wednesday when Keith Brooking, a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons and a graduate of East Coweta High School and Georgia Tech, addressed all of the students in a morning assembly.

Brooking discussed the importance of doing well in school, listening to one’s parents, following one’s dreams and choosing the right friends. He stated that none of the success he has achieved professionally would have been possible if he failed to each one of those things. Brooking also answered questions from representatives from each class about reading. He discussed how important reading was to his job, telling the students that he had to read his playbook and attend meetings each day. He also said that his favorite author when he was in elementary school was Dr. Seuss. The event was a good lead in to Read Across America Day, which took place the following day, which is also Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

After the assembly, Brooking filmed a segment for the Georgia Read More program. He sat with 12 third graders, two boys and girls from each of the school’s three third grade classes, and read the book, Detective LaRue by Mark Teague. Other local celebrities who have participated in the program are President Jimmy Carter, Travis Tritt, John Smoltz, Bill Elliot and Mary Perdue, among others.

The Georgia Read More segments are shown in public schools across Georgia via the educational satellite and are also shown every Saturday on GPB. The program started in October, 2004 and has found a great deal of success and acclaim.

Brooking’s appearance will likely be ready for air in approximately one month.

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