Dr. Seuss was on the loose at Millennium Charter Academy on Wednesday.

As part of the Read Across America campaign, Angie Marion, the school’s librarian, organized the celebration for the second year. Students had the option of dressing up like a character from a Dr. Seuss book with many of them taking advantage. Cindy Lou Who, the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two and Horton were some of the popular choices for students. Some of those who dressed up as Horton even had a clover containing the town of Whoville clasped in their trunks.

Sheriff Graham Atkinson, the mayor of Whoville and all other Seussian towns for the day, helped kick off the parade which opened the activities. Students marched through the halls of the school behind the Cat in the Hat, more commonly known as Anne Haynes, a second grade teaching assistant.

Following the parade the students moved through different stations revolving around all things Seuss. They heard several of Dr. Seuss’ stories read, including “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Sneetches.” There was even a buddy reading station where fifth grade students read to the younger ones. They watched a cartoon version of “The Cat in the Hat” on a projection screen in the computer lab and did a ribbon dance in the gym. Mary McCormick, art teacher, was stationed in the art gallery at the school, illustrating the stories Mary Richardson, a first grade teaching assistant, read.

Some of the students were even brave enough to try the green eggs and ham offered to them, though some made a face after doing so.

“Some won’t try it, but they all think it’s funny,” said Marion.

Classrooms also participated in a door decorating contest by creating a scene from a Dr. Seuss book. Atkinson helped judge the doors and picked a first and second place winner. First place went to Becky McMillian, a first grade teacher. Her class won an ice cream party and she got a stove-top hat just like the cat for her door which showed two children looking out a window and featured stories her students had written about what they would do if they were left home. Second place went to Mandy Dean, a fifth grade teacher, whose door depicting Marvin K. Mooney won a stove-pipe hat and a ribbon.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.