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Sagana is top reader in JKPL’s Dream Big Read program
The Dream Big Read summer program marked another successful campaign this year after 89 children joined the monthlong activity at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. The program’s goal is to encourage and enhance reading interest among children.
The summer program ran from June 22 to 28 and encouraged participants to read books either at the public library or in the comfort of their homes. Throughout the campaign, JKPL monitored the number of books read by participants and rewarded them for their performance.
During closing ceremonies Saturday, Bonnie Gio Sagana was hailed the top reader with 486 books read throughout the program-miles beyond his target of just 50 books. Sagana is a third grader at William S. Reyes Elementary School.
Celina Foreman, program coordinator and library assistant, said that Sagana demonstrated a keen interest in checking and reading books at the same time. He, along with all other readers, was awarded a certificate and gift items from the program’s sponsors.
The second top reader was Froilan Gregory Camacho, who read 434 books. Camacho is a fourth grade student at Tanapag Elementary School.
The other top readers were Erin Mae Pan Tam, third place, with 289 books; Princess Rhyne Cania, fourth, with 275 books; and Princess Jadeanne Cania and Raven Mae Drina, tied for fifth, with 259 books read each.
Besides reading activities, JKPL held other initiatives in summer such as read aloud, movie nights, and cultural presentations. Foreman disclosed that since the summer reading program began in 2006, growth has been seen in both the participants’ turnout and the overall reading performance of children.
She estimated that more than 4,000 children’s books and other references were read throughout the program. Last year, JKPL had 61 participants in the Dream Big Read program.
One of the parents Froilan Camacho, said he supports the reading program because it will help his children prepare for the next school year. Camacho has been sending his three children to the library since summer started. He said it is his goal to see all his children become independent readers so they can learn on their own.
Camacho is the father of second top reader Froilan Gregory and sisters Alana and Kiana Camacho. Like his brother, Kiana shared that she was able to read 250 books throughout the program and is proud of it. She said reading will help her prepare for her next grade level.
Christine Ramangmou, a third grader from William S. Reyes Elementary School, was also happy and excited that she was able to read 130 books while her sister, Elicia, finished 217 books. They received their awards with their mother Patricia during Saturday’s ceremonies.
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
