FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2014
CONTACT: DOE Press Office, 850.245.0413
FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT KICKS OFF SUMMER LITERACY ADVENTURE AT WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS STATE PARK
 TALLAHASSEE – Florida's First Lady Ann Scott today kicked off the 2014 Summer Literacy
Adventure by reading Mermaids: A Magic 3-Dimensional World of Mermaids
to a group of more than 125 summer camp students at Weeki Wachee Springs
State Park. This was her fourth consecutive year participating in the
Summer Literacy Adventure.
First Lady Scott encouraged students to keep reading during the
summer months and challenged them to sign up for the Summer Literacy
Adventure Pledge to read as many books as possible over the summer. She
was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education,
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida
Lottery.
"Reading opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure," said First
Lady Ann Scott. "I hope all Florida students will find time this summer
to take an exciting journey through the pages of a book."
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is known for delighting visitors of
all ages with magical mermaids and family-friendly activities like
swimming and kayaking in the beautiful freshwater spring and river.
"Continuing to use reading skills during the summer is very important
for young people in Florida," said Donald Forgione, Director of the
Florida Park Service. "I am honored that First Lady Ann Scott selected
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park as a place to remind children about
reading during the summer."
The 2014 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 their grade level.
"It is critical that students stay engaged in reading all year long,"
said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. "Reading and literacy are the
pillars of a solid education and will lead our students to success in
college, career and life."
Students can fill out their Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at www.JustReadFamilies.org.
At the start of 2014 - 2015 academic year, First Lady Scott will visit
the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges.
The Florida Lottery generously donated books to all students in attendance at today's event.
"On behalf of the Florida Lottery, we are pleased to support the 2014
Summer Literacy Adventure," said Secretary Cynthia O'Connell. "Reading
can open up new worlds and spark a lifetime love for learning."
For more information, visit 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure.
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