Wrapping up his summer reading challenge, Gov. John deJongh Jr. welcomed over 200 students from grades K-8 to the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex Saturday afternoon on St. Croix. Each of the students read five or more books as participants in the reading challenge.
“I am very pleased that so many students took up the challenge to participate in this reading program and congratulate those who read five or more books," deJongh said in a statement from his office. "This was a unique opportunity to compete with friends and peers while having fun and learning. Reading is an important window to the world, and I encourage children to read every day.” The Office of the Governor, the Department of Education, and Learn-It Systems Corporation all partnered to make the reading challenge happen. In addition to encouraging reading, the summer challenge helped students build their own personal libraries, as Learn-It donated 200,000 books, which were distributed to participating students for free.
At the Agricultural Fairgrounds, children and families enjoyed beverages, popcorn and games. There was also a reading session at which deJongh joined children in reading from “How Many Spots Does a Leopard Have?” by Julius Lester. The Educational Complex Quelbe Ambassadors band played throughout the festivities.
All students who participated in the challenge received a personalized certificate of accomplishment and a bumper sticker; students who read 10 or more books received a commemorative medal. Ten students who read 10 or more books were randomly selected to receive gift certificates to Undercover Books, and five students who read 20 or more books were randomly selected to attend a special luncheon aboard the Disney Magic Cruise Line with the governor.
“This was a great way to recognize the importance of reading for enjoyment every day and throughout the year," deJongh said. "Reading promotes better language development and is a critical step in advancing one’s future.”
In November there will be a companion festivity on St. Thomas to also recognize the young men and women from St. Thomas and St. John who took up the governor’s reading challenge.