FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2017
First Lady Ann Scott Kicks Off 2017 Summer Literacy Adventure in Tallahassee
 DEP Interim Secretary Ryan Matthews joined First Lady Ann Scott, the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Lottery at the event in the Governor's Mansion.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, First Lady Ann Scott welcomed more than 30 students from
Springwood Elementary School to the Governor’s Mansion for the seventh
annual Summer Literacy Adventure kick-off. The Summer Literacy Adventure
challenges students to pledge to read as many books as possible over
the summer, with the goal of students maintaining and improving upon the
skills they gained during the previous school year.
For the seventh
consecutive year, First Lady Ann Scott will share her passion for
reading with summer camp students during fun-filled events at Florida
state parks in June and July.
First Lady Ann Scott
said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Springwood Elementary School
students and teachers to the Florida Governor’s Mansion today as we
kicked off the seventh annual Summer Literacy Adventure! As a mother and
grandmother, I believe there is nothing more important than investing
time in Florida’s children who will one day become leaders in our
communities, state and nation. Literacy is an essential skill to succeed
in any career path, and I hope that today’s event inspires these
students to be life-long readers.”
The 2017 Summer Literacy
Adventure is made possible through a partnership between the Florida
Department of Education, the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and the Florida Lottery.
Education Commissioner
Pam Stewart said, “We are grateful to First Lady Ann Scott for once
again hosting students at the Florida Governor’s Mansion to raise
awareness about the importance of reading every day, even when school is
not in session. Her participation in the Summer Literacy Adventure has
encouraged countless students to love reading as much as she does, and I
hope that all of our state’s schools and families will take full
advantage of this opportunity to motivate our young readers.”
DEP Interim Secretary Ryan
Matthews said, “DEP is proud to continue this important partnership with
First Lady Ann Scott, DOE and the Florida Lottery. The Summer Literacy
Adventure helps encourage the next generation to explore and learn about
Florida’s unique natural environment.”
Florida Lottery
Secretary Tom Delacenserie said, “The Florida Lottery is proud to once
again join First Lady Ann Scott, the Department of Education and the
Department of Environmental Protection in support of the 2017 Summer
Literacy Adventure. We encourage Florida’s students to continue their
reading this summer, and enjoy a visit to some of Florida’s incredible
state parks.”
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
children to read, parents are playing a critical role in achieving
Florida’s goal of having every child reading at or above grade level. Children can pledge to make summer reading a real-life adventure here.
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