Schock encourages students to become lifelong learners
Aaron discusses the 18th district reading program with WMBD-TV |
The path to a lifelong learner begins at a young age. U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock is encouraging students to become lifelong learners with his Summer Reading Program.
"Studies show there’s a difference between a student coming to school in the fall who has continued learning over the summer months and those who have not," Schock said. “Teachers say they can distinguish students who participated in the program. They’re much more focused and they’re better readers because of the program.”
Students who participated in the program celebrated Sunday, Oct. 14, at Eastside Centre in East Peoria. Schock read a book, “Abe Lincoln: the Boy Who Loved Books” by Kay Winters and Nancy Carpenter, followed by an afternoon of pictures, games, cotton candy and hot dogs, bounce houses and even live animals including lizards, a hawk, an armadillo and more on display.
Participating students in kindergarten through eighth grades read more than 4,500 books combined. There were 80 participating schools and nine libraries throughout the 18th Congressional District.
“This event is the carrot at the end of the road to encourage students over the summer months to stay focused and keep learning over the summer months," Schock said.
This is the eighth year Schock hosted the program, which he began when he was a state representative. The program has reached more than 100,000 students.
"Reading is knowledge. It is through that knowledge that you will also find opportunities all throughout your life and I am certain that's what's helped Congressman Shock find opportunities throughout his life," said state Rep. Mike Unes, who also attended Sunday's event.
"I encourage all of you to continue reading, to continue to reach for the stars Reading is knowledge and anything is possible when you have the desire to learn and desire to read."
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