FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT MAKES A SPLASH IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FOR THIRD STOP ON SUMMER LITERACY ADVENTURE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2014

CONTACT: Florida Department of Education Press Office, 850.245.0413, DOEPressOffice@FLDOE.org

FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT MAKES A SPLASH IN PANAMA CITY BEACH FOR THIRD STOP ON SUMMER LITERACY ADVENTURE

First Lady

First Lady Ann Scott reads to students at Camp Helen State Park.

PANAMA CITY With Lake Powell and the Gulf of Mexico nearby and birds soaring overhead, Florida First Lady Ann Scott read The Rainbow Fish to 40 students today at Camp Helen State Park in Bay County for the third stop in her Summer Literacy Adventure. 

“Florida’s state parks provide an incredible environment for children and families to discover nature and have fun,” Mrs. Scott said. “I want to challenge all of Florida’s students to join me in reading as many books as possible during the summer break and take the Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge.” 

She was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida, the Early Learning Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, and the Walton County Public Library System.

Truly a hidden gem, Camp Helen State Park is an attractive daytime getaway in Florida’s panhandle. With its long and unique history, Camp Helen’s appeal includes its spacious lodge overlooking Lake Powell, a rare coastal dune lake, as well as areas for swimming, beachcombing, hiking and fishing. 

“I am pleased to welcome children and First Lady Ann Scott to Camp Helen State Park to share the joy of reading,” said Danny Jones, bureau chief for the Florida Park Service. “Most children aren’t thinking about going back to school yet, but we hope they are reading over 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 grade level.

“Student learning should continue during the summer months, and this is a great way for families to participate in the education process beyond the classroom,” Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said. “Children’s lives are enriched when they are surrounded by a wide variety of reading materials.”

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.”

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. 

For more information, visit 2014 Summer Literacy Adventure.