The tri-cities recently celebrated Garland ISD’s commitment to inspire and transform lives through the power of reading. More than 2,400 attendees enjoyed free food, prizes, 76 activity booths, author visits, a book walk, a poetry café and more at the district’s first Literacy for Life event Sept. 21.
“The event’s success is credited to the countless hours of preparation and the more than 150 volunteers,” said Library Media Services Coordinator Jeanine Boyett. “This tremendous event was documented using #GISDReads on Twitter.”
GISD kicked off the initiative with the launch of myON, a digital platform that gives all community members free access to thousands of books in English and Spanish. During the summer, students were challenged to rack up reading points for a chance to win a prize. The top readers and campuses were revealed and rewarded at the event.
Not only did attendees walk away with free books, tools and prizes. They learned that reading is an essential and important skill we can continue to hone.
“Stakeholders understand that literacy is not just for school—it’s for life,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Cris Valdez. “Garland ISD expects a continuation and expansion of schools, parents and the community coming together to promote the importance of literacy development in the tri-city area.”
“We have already started planning for next year,” Boyett added. “And it will be even bigger and better.”
A list of winners honored at the event is below. More information: visit the district’s website.
Campus myON Summer Reading Challenge winners were: Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence, Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School and Naaman Forest High School
Individual myON Summer Reading Challenge winners (qualified for categories based on previous grade)
Pre-K – 1st grade
First place: Temijopelo Ogunmakinwa, current first-grader at Walnut Glen Academy
Second place: Helen Nguyen, current second-grader at Abbett Elementary School
Third place: Matthew Guzman, current first-grader at Rowlett Elementary School
Grades 2-5
First place: Kaylie Trang, current sixth-grader at Brandenburg
Second place: Aiden Styles, current fifth-grader at Walnut Glen
Third place: Lucas Le, current fifth-grader at Walnut Glen
Grades 6-8
First place: Ryan Walling, current eighth-grader at Schrade Middle School
Second place: Alex Walling, current eighth-grader at Schrade Middle School
Third place: Mya Guzman, current seventh-grader at Schrade Middle School
Grades 9-12
First place: Vashati Silvaz, current senior at Lakeview Centennial High School
Second place: Trinity Crider, current junior at Lakeview Centennial High School
Third place: Ari Santiago Cardenas, current junior at Garland High School
Campus Literacy for Life attendance winner: Spring Creek Elementary School
Best booth winner: Handley Elementary School
Information and art provided by Garland ISD.