VALDOSTA — On Wednesday morning, former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal visited J.L. Lomax Elementary School for a heartfelt and meaningful literacy event, where he shared his children’s book “Veto, The Governor’s Cat,” with third-grade students.

The story, which follows the adventures of two cats named Veto and Bill, is set in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion and in Deal’s home after he left office. The book includes lessons about friendship, patience, and kindness — all conveyed through animal characters.

Deal began the event by speaking directly to the students and explaining the inspiration behind the book. The book was written in honor of Deal’s late wife, Sandra Deal, a passionate advocate for literacy who spent years reading to students across Georgia. Deal shared that Sandra personally read to over a quarter-million students during her time as Georgia’s First Lady.

After sharing the story’s background and characters, Deal ensured every third-grade student received a signed copy of the book to take home. 

“Literacy is one of those key ingredients that will determine the society in which we live,” Deal said. “There are important lessons I think this book conveys. Hopefully, the children will get some of those lessons.”

Following the event, Deal toured Valdosta City Schools’ WOW Bus — a mobile literacy initiative that brings books directly into the community. There, the Valdosta Rotary Club presented a $1,000 check to the J.L. Lomax Media Center to support its literacy programs. The club also donated new Scholastic books to the bus as part of their commitment to promoting education in the region.

“Rotary is about service above self, and so one of Rotary’s International big missions is education and literacy,” said Valdosta Rotary Club President Designee Thressea Boyd. “This event follows in line with what a lot of Rotary Clubs do, and that is supporting literacy.”