Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Literacy Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read to Succeed program hands out nearly 20,000 books, awards $20,000 to schools
Summary
The Read to Succeed program, a partnership including the Van Duzer Foundation and the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County, reported 5,645 readers, nearly 20,000 books distributed and almost $60,000 raised over two years; the program awarded $20,000 in school prizes this year.
The Read to Succeed literacy program for Saint Lucie Public Schools reported cumulative results at the May 13 board meeting: 5,645 readers reached, nearly 20,000 books distributed, and nearly $60,000 raised across two years of the program, according to Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza Fort Pierce and founder of the Van Duzer Foundation.
Van Duzer credited a coalition of local partners for the results: the Van Duzer Foundation donated $10,000 for the winning school this year; the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County matched that amount, enabling a total award of $20,000 for the top school. Van Duzer said the program ran for about three and a half months and emphasized the many local volunteers and partners who helped run events and celebrations.
Representatives from partner organizations joined Van Duzer at the podium, including Rick Hatcher of the sports commission and Tom Jones of the Education Foundation. The board recognized third-place Lawnwood Elementary, Saint Lucie Elementary and this year’s winner, Fairlawn Elementary; the district presented photos and on-stage recognition to school principals and partner representatives.
Van Duzer said the program has delivered books and cash back to students and schools and praised local donors and volunteers for sustained engagement. The board did not record any formal motions tied to awards during the May 13 recognitions; the presentation included partner remarks and photo opportunities.
