Published: Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2008 / Updated: Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2008 12:34 AM

Reading is a fundamental Latta will demonstrate on White House lawn

YORK -- Professional women's basketball star Ivory Latta of McConnells said she will be one of two pros who read to children Friday with President Bush at the White House.

Latta, a former standout for York Comprehensive High School and the University of North Carolina, still holds the South Carolina scoring record for both boys and girls. She plays professionally with the Atlanta Dream. Her WNBA season is complete, but Latta, who turns 24 on Thursday, leaves next week to play in a league in Turkey.

Latta said she has few details about Friday's visit to the White House but is "very excited."

"All I know right now is I am going to read, but I don't know what it will be or who I will be there with," she said Monday.

Latta made a name for herself even during high school by volunteering to help children. Her work in York County, including volunteer appearances that continued during her college career and in the professional ranks, has been hailed as showing outstanding character.

Steve Love, president of the western York County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, described Latta's invitation as, "a great honor for Ivory, and a great honor for all of us in York County."