Ernest Hooper: Reading event spurs a pledge

At the annual Sheehy Elementary School read-in, staged by the Tampa Chapter of the Links on Friday, I met an impressive group of fifth-graders.

In escorting community leaders who came to read to younger students, the kids displayed an engaging blend of courtesy and enthusiasm.

So I promised to publish their names in the paper if they promised to reach out to me when they graduate from high school. Say hello to Liam Allen, Devin Aultman, Jaron Barnum, Prestron Beckham, Marcelo Dixon, Javon Kirkland, Ta'Niyah Nombre, Rahmarion Smith, Donte Stewart, Alexis Tobon, Johnnie Tyson, Jeremiah Van Green and Tyre'e Watts.

I'm convinced they'll hold up their end of the bargain, but it will help if the community can continue to lend support. Kudos to the Links for doing just that for the last 14 years at Sheehy. .?.?.

Seen on a bumper sticker: In The Age of Information, Ignorance Is A Choice. .?.e_STnS.

In a 111-1 vote, the state House voted to replace one of Florida's two statues in the U.S. Capitol, swapping out Confederate Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith for legendary educator Mary McLeod Bethune.

The lone "no" vote? Rep. Jay Fant, R-Jacksonville, who is running for state attorney general. Make a mental note. .?.?.

The nationwide Adopt a Sister Program of the Salesian Sisters, formed 27 years ago in Tampa by the late Fortune Bosco, celebrates with a luncheon Friday at Villa Madonna School. For more info, call (813) 205-3195. .?.?.

A shared.com story noted that a Syracuse University study has found chocolate cake in the morning to be good for the brain. Sign me up for the next study.

That's all I'm saying.