Clay Aiken Reads, Sings To Pa. Kids

'Idol' Runner-Up Helps Kids Celebrate Biography They Published

(AP)  Two girls fell out of their front row seats when "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken strode on stage at the assembly at Lower Nazareth Elementary School.

The students had gathered yesterday at the Northampton County district high school's auditorium to celebrate 19 classmates who wrote, "Our Friend Mikayla," a biography published earlier this year by the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, which works on behalf of children with special needs. Aiken is a co-founder of the foundation.

Mikayla Resh was the subject of the biography, written and illustrated by her third-grade classmates two years ago. Mikayla has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Her mother, Kimberly Resh, arranged the all-school assembly to thank them.

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Photos: Clay Aiken

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Aiken read from the book for the student body of more than 680, talked with the 19 authors, and posed for photographs. To Mikayla, he sang a few lines from "When I See You Smile." Then he announced a final treat: limousines to take the students back to Lower Nazareth Elementary.

Aiken appeared last night at the State Theatre in Easton.

[swgen]

Every chance I get I watch and listen to Clay Aiken singing. First, I think he's a great role model and humanitarian. His singing is delightful, and he has a sense of humor that leaves me laughing every time. I love this video on The Early Show!

[clayaiken1]

Clay Aiken is my favorite male singer and male entertainer. Clay Aiken is the greatest and the best male musical artist ever!!! Clay Aiken Rules!!!

[toledozooer]

Defining Clay is a pleasure. He is snarky, very intelligent, a gentleman, caring, has a temper, and has sustained through a tough childhood, lies about him as a man, and being made fun of for the very talent that is his gift. I think it makes people jealous to realize that he can sing the socks off of anyone, can hug a child without even thinking about it, can lift a a young woman from her wheelchair and dance with her, while assuring her that he he had her and lighting her face with a smile for the ages. He is not a saint, but he is a man to be recloned with, because God has put him here to do HIS work, for those who are pushed aside because they are not "perfect". His voice soothes my soul and worms my heart, and his wonderful/funny personnality makes me smile for hours. He will make a difference!!

[ywt2004]

Clay Aiken not only has the 'pipes of perfection' that would melt all of Alaska , and a wit and charm that leaves you rolling in the isles but he is a phenominal caring SUPERSTAR!
Clay is a born entertainer and made for the stage. If that isn't enough he is really showing that he wants to make a difference with his many philenthropic endevours !
Clay Aiken is God's love in action !