ROCKVILLE, M.D. – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today recognized 28 elementary school Student Reading Champions who completed the inaugural “Raskin’s Readers” program. Rep. Raskin launched the program in October, National Book Month, to encourage K-5 students to read at least 10 books with help from their parents, grandparents, guardians, or other family members.

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.

“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,” said Rep. Raskin. “I really look forward to celebrating with all the participating students at our virtual recognition ceremony and to hosting this reading program every year.”

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.

Rep. Raskin will host a virtual recognition ceremony this spring to celebrate the students’ wonderful achievements and participants will receive a congressional certificate of recognition. The date and time of the virtual recognition ceremony will be announced in due course.

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