For the past 12 years — as long as he has been a member of the New York State legislature — Assembly Member John McDonald has dropped everything to visit Watervliet Elementary School and read to fifth grade students on the day before Thanksgiving break.

Guest readers, like the local legislator and the superintendent of schools, read favorite stories or books to the fifth-grade classes on what is called DEAR Day. DEAR stands for Drop Everything and Read, which traditionally has been celebrated in November at Watervliet Elementary. As the name implies, it is an opportunity for students to focus on reading for fun, as well as for learning.

As is his tradition, Assembly Member McDonald read “of Thee I Sing,” a book written by former President Barack Obama to his daughters. This inspirational book celebrates the characteristics and achievement of 13 famous American personalities and historical figures and how each helped shape our nation.

“Our country is great because of the opportunities and freedoms we have, which are all possible because of the people who came before us,” Assembly Member McDonald said. “At some point, you may be called on to make our country even better.”

After he finished reading, Assembly Member McDonald engaged in a Q&A with students, who asked about his role as a legislator, how many bills he has sponsored, and questions about his family and personal preferences. A fun fact the fifth-graders learned, for example, is that Assembly Member McDonald prefers neither Dunkin nor Starbucks coffee. His favorite cup of joe is made by our own local Stewart’s shops, of course!