Colonel Sekou S. Karega, commanding officer, handed out awards to children at the grand finale of the Summer Reading Program during a ceremony and activity-filled event held at McTureous Hall aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., July 17.
The program inspired 48 children, four teens and 14 adults to read more throughout the summer. On average participants read a total of 260 minutes.
Although everyone who participated and expanded their reading horizons, it was little miss Navea Jenkins, 9 years old, who won the award for the most minutes read. Her total was a whopping 1,930 minutes read throughout the two months.
“She always loves to read,” said Felicia Reed, Navea’s mother and wife of Staff Sgt. Michael Reed. “For the program I scheduled for her to read for an hour a day, but she reads a lot anyway. In the mornings, if she’s up before everybody else, she will get a book and start reading until her siblings wake up. Her favorite books are a series called Dork Diaries.”
Col. Karega gave her high praises as he placed the medal around her neck. He also commended the program.
“I really enjoy participating in the Summer Reading Program,” Karega said. “It's a great program that encourages our youth to read and then rewards them for the time that they spent reading. I'm extremely pleased to be a part of the program and I truly appreciate the opportunity to present every child with a medal for their participation.”
Before and after the awards ceremony, the children enjoyed a variety of activities and were entertained by library staff and volunteers who dropped by to ensure that the children enjoyed the event.
“During our end-of-summer event we had FOCUS and EFMP/School Liaison information booths with information for families,” said Vanessa Garcia, lead library technician. “FOCUS brought in the Crime Investigators to have the children fingerprinted and have their picture taken to help ensure their safety. The EFMP/School liaison had some information on baby sign language along with information on back-to-school. We also had the Fire personnel come in and read to the kids.”
Volunteers from the Single Marine Program also read to the kids and set up game stations such as in-door bowling and Giant Jenga. There was even an obstacle course, a cookie decorating station and an ice cream bar.
“Just because the reading program is over it doesn't mean it stops here,” said Reece Dillingham, library technician. “In addition to books, we also have movies people can check out and audio books for the kids to use at home, as well as some digital books online which people can use with a simple sign up at the library. This is to encourage everyone of all ages to sign up for reading and build up a reading schedule throughout the year, and maybe even get ready for next summer.”
The Library also has Story Time and Craft twice per month, from 10 – 11 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
“Although we encourage reading throughout the year, the Summer Reading Program is a lot of fun, and provides proven benefits for children who participate,” Garcia said. “Studies have shown that students experience learning losses when they don't engage in educational activities over the summer. Achievement lost over the summer break is equivalent to one month of grade level instruction. Summer reading loss during elementary grades accumulates to an achievement gap of 18 months by the end of grade six! The good news is that participation in summer
reading programs has a positive effect on student achievement outcomes by preventing learning loss even two years after participation. Participants regularly outperform non-participants on tests across all measures and grades (K-8).”
So, congratulations to all who participated in the Summer Reading Program! Be sure to return to the library often to partake in their many services throughout the year.