PRESS
RELEASE: July 9, 2015
FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT
CONTINUES
SUMMER LITERACY ADVENTURE
~Program encourages students to read throughout the summer~
 First Lady Ann Scott reads to children at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
TALLAHASSEE,
Fla. – Surrounded
by the sparkling waters and abundant native wildlife of Ellie Schiller Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park, First Lady Ann Scott made her second stop on
the 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure yesterday. First Lady Scott read "I am a Manatee"
by John Lithgow to students from area summer camps. The park showcases native Florida flora and fauna coupled with numerous recreational and
environmental activities for families to enjoy.
“The
Sunshine State offers so many exciting adventures in Florida’s magnificent
state parks,” said First Lady Scott. “Children can find excitement in
literature and I encourage them to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge to
read as many books as possible during the summer break.”
First
Lady Scott was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of
Education, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. Also attending were Dr. Sam Himmel, superintendent of Citrus County
Schools and Eric Head, director of the Citrus County Library System. Snacks and books for the children were generously donated by the Florida Lottery.
“Reading
and literacy are the stepping stones to success in school and in life,” said
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “I want to thank First Lady Scott for her
commitment to helping students enhance their reading skills.”
“Reading
can foster a love of learning through adventure,” said Lottery Secretary
Cynthia O’Connell. “The Florida Lottery is delighted to support the 2015 Summer
Literacy Adventure.”
The 2015 Summer Literacy
Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy.
Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can
lose a month or more of progress made during the school year. By encouraging
their children to read, parents play an important role in ensuring every child
reads at or above grade level.
“Ellie
Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is an amazing atmosphere for
students to discover the joys of reading,” said Donald Forgione, director of
the Florida Park Service. “I welcome First Lady Scott and the children to one
of Florida’s outstanding state park gems.”
Students can fill out their
Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure. At the start of 2015 – 2016 academic year, First Lady
Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most
pledges.
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