Reisterstown Elementary students celebrate Strive for 25 reading initiative

Strive for 25 Facilitator Stacy Goren, Library Media Specialist Kevin Finckel, Principal Ken Dunaway, and Delegate Bobby Zirkin join students in celebration of reading.

Through the Strive For 25 reading incentive program, the goal was for each Reisterstown Elementary School student to read 25 books during the school year. But once some students got started, they couldn’t stop.Many read well over 50 books. First grader Alia C. and kindergartener Mercy J. each read more than 100 books. All together, Reisterstown Elementary students read 3,300 books.

Throughout the year, students kept a log of the books they read, and parents signed to verify that each book had been read. Volunteers offered incentives throughout the year, and Principal Ken Dunaway participated in the Polar Bear Plunge – jumping into the Chesapeake Bay in January – in honor of student reading.

“We do all this,” says Assistant Principal Leslie Dunn, “because we want to promote reading and ensure that our students become lifelong readers.”

On Friday, May 19, a celebration was held to honor the students who met their reading goals and to thank parents and volunteers for their support. Maryland State Delegate Bobby Zirkin participated in the celebration and awarded each student with an official Maryland State Reading Citation. He also promised students that he would join Principal Dunaway in next year’s Polar Bear Plunge if the students kept reading.

Story by Kevin Finckel, library media specialist, Reisterstown Elementary School. Photo courtesy Reisterstown Elementary School.