Recognizing K-5 Student Reading Champions

February 5, 2021

Dear Neighbor:

In October 2020, National Book Month, I launched my inaugural "Raskin's Readers" learning program to encourage K-5 students to read at least 10 books with help from their parents, grandparents, guardians, or other family members. Today, I'm thrilled to recognize 28 elementary school Student Reading Champions who completed the program. 

The students collectively read hundreds of books, such as “The Cat in the Hat”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, and works from the following book series: Diary of A Wimpy Kid, Junie B. Jones, Goosebumps, The Berenstain Bears, Amelia Bedelia, Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, Magic Tree House, and Harry Potter.

The K-5 Student Reading Champions are: Lila Bernstein, Aditya Verma, Julia Brafford, Maia Niebylski, Declan Atabaki, Audrey Gilbertsen, Gabriela Noya, Ceci Okrent, Clara Miehl, Adrian Miehl, Daniel Weaver, Jr., Henry Eccles, Hannah Echols, Moira Kent, Benjamin Orvis, Oscar Casey, Zoe Maher, Aziz Pightling, Rocco McPherson, Joseph McPherson, Julian Galfano, Theo Rahnis, Caroline Eccles, Nicholas Johnson, Gabe Rahnis, Fiona Sisan, Rose Boylan and Carol Lawson.

Completed reading lists were submitted from the following schools: Ashburton ES, Bannockburn ES, Bel Pre ES, Burnt Mills ES, Cascade ES, Crofton Woods ES, Glenallan ES, Greenwood ES, Highland ES, Kemptown ES, Kensington Parkwood ES, Little Flower School, Luxmanor ES, Piney Branch ES, Rosemont ES, Takoma Park ES, Viers Mill ES, and Woodlin ES. Home-schooled students also submitted reading lists.

During this era of virtual learning, I applaud all of the precocious young people who participated in our 8th District reading challenge and dedicated themselves to exploring new reading opportunities. I will be hosting a virtual recognition ceremony this spring to recognize the students' wonderful achievements and will announce the date and time in due course. I really look forward to celebrating with the students and to hosting this reading program every year. 

As we continue our remote education efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to share additional resources for students of all ages. The Library of Congress has excellent virtual programs, and I invite all young people to check those out here!

As always, I encourage people across the 8th District to continue to share their concerns and insights with me and my staff by contacting my office or connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 


All Best,

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