FITCHBURG — Fitchburg Public Schools students were recently recognized for their dedication to reading as part of an annual challenge hosted by the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.
Three students and one classroom were named winners of the United Way’s “Adventure, Explore … Read” Reading Challenge, which encourages students in pre-K through third grade to build literacy skills through fun and engaging reading activities.
The challenge encouraged early literacy development through engaging, self-paced reading activities. This year’s program ran from Dec. 22 to March 20.
Participants read and completed activities using Footsteps2Brilliance, a literacy app available to Fitchburg Public Schools students in English and Spanish.
First-place winner Maverick Camire, a first-grade student at Reingold Elementary School, read an impressive 851 books. Second-place winner Sebastian Pereira, a preschool student at South Street Early Learning Center, read 207 books, and third-place winner Rachel Pereira read 135 books. All three winners received a Kindle Fire tablet and a gift basket in recognition of their achievements.
The top reading classroom was Mrs. Gibbs’ kindergarten class at South Street ELC. Together, the class read 851 books and logged an impressive 265,688 words. United Way staff celebrated the class with goodie bags and T-shirts.
“I am so proud of Sebastian for winning the Winter Reading Challenge. His love for learning truly shines,” said Karen Crowley, a pre-K teacher at South Street Early Learning Center. “Despite being just four years old and learning English as a second language, Sebastian has shown remarkable dedication. This achievement reflects the hard work he puts in every day, along with the incredible support from his mom.”
Jonathan Thompson, superintendent of Fitchburg Public Schools, also shared his enthusiasm. “The Footsteps2Brilliance Winter Reading celebration is always one of the happiest days of the school year. I am incredibly proud of our students, as well as the teachers and families who support reading every day. I want to thank Kory Eng and the United Way team for their continued commitment to literacy, and Kathryn Brady for her support of this event.”
“The ‘Adventure, Explore…Read’ Reading Challenge reflects United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ commitment to advancing literacy and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed,” said Kory Eng, president and CEO of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “Reading opens the door to exploration, imagination, and achievement.”
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts mobilizes people and resources to improve the lives of individuals and families in 22 communities throughout the region. By investing in education, financial stability, and health, UWNCM helps create lasting change and stronger communities for all.
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