ALBANY — Newspapers in Education benefits the education system by allowing teachers to use publications as a learning tool. On Tuesday, a local celebrity did his part to pitch in for the program.

Leesburg native and country music star Luke Bryan made an appearance at Ed Jordan Music on Westgate Drive to sign a guitar that will be auctioned off to benefit the program.

“Anytime I can do something this easy, it is good to do,” Bryan said.
Ed Jordan, the store’s owner, said that Bryan’s presence benefits residents in the area as well as NIE participants.

“It’s important for Albany and the surrounding area,” he said. “It’s good for someone in the area to make the big time.

“The cause is an excellent idea. Children do need to read. It’s an opportunity for them to see what’s going on in the world.”

Bryan kicked off his first headlining tour last month at Lee County High School. He said the trek has been going rather well so far, with the majority of the tour dates already sold out.

“The crowds have been real supportive,” he said.

The concert held in Leesburg, to celebrate the release of his second Capital Records Nashville album “Doin’ My Thing,” attracted more than 4,000 people. The star said it was an excellent way to start the tour.

“I thought it was a huge success,” Bryan said. “It was fun to finally do it at the school.”

There will be a link on The Albany Herald Web site, www.albanyherald.com, to accept bids on the guitar.

The NIE program delivers newspapers to schools in the area at a reduced rate to be used in the classroom. It is funded by local businesses and fundraisers.