From the 1994edition of the New Castle Record
Friday was an exciting day for the first graders at McCleary Elementary School. Thanks to several local businesses, each child received a personalized book that features them as the main character. Names of relatives were also included in the book.
Just Computer Services owned and operated by Rhonda H. Garst of New Castle, has developed a literacy program called “Learn to Read.” The program utilizes personalized books for beginning readers. The purpose of the program is to motivate children to read by presenting them with their very own book that is fun to read because they are the star. The books are professionally illustrated and have plastic protective hard covers. Each book also has a photo sticker for the inside front cover for the child’s photo.
One of the sponsors, Hettie Farley of State Farm Insurance, entertained the children by reading the story before distributing the books.
A personalized book, titled” One Wish,” was distributed to the following first graders; Kris Abbott, Kyle Caldwell, Brandon Christian, Daniel Davis, Erica Davis, Jessie Falls, Michaela Fisher, Joe Francisco, Joe Hutchison, Tyler Lucas, Jesse Mabes, Adam Sixbey, Leon Smith, Lydia Stebar, Paul Welch, Jr., Jason Williams, Ruth hoover, Amy Crane, Mark Osborne, Brian McAllister, Charles Cranmer, Adam Shires, Ashley Cantrell, Lauren Kessinger, Linsey Fletcher, Max Crush, Samantha Craft, Greg Christian, Jr., Ben Flinchum, Rocky Spitzer, Alisha Hutchison, Mindy Hutchinson, Nikki Brookman, Travis Hall, Felicia Hixenbaugh, Alex Helems, Anna Keffer, Chris Nelson, Brandon Ruble, Steven Shires, Anna Baer, Christopher DeWease, Melissa Hodges, Philip Webb, Amber Sarver, Casey Garman, Stephanie Huddleston, Trista Belcher, Andrew Gentry, and Westly Kessinger.
“Learning to read is one of the first steps in a child’s development,” Garst said. “Once reading is conquered, the whole world of education opens up to the child. Children’s interest in reading is enhanced when they are interested in the subject, and what is more interesting than a book about themselves? You cannot encourage children enough to read because it is the foundation for everything they do in life.” Early responses to the books suggest that because the books are personalized the children are more interested in reading the book and parents or grandparents are also more interested in reading to the children because their names are in the books.
There was no cost involved for the children, parents or the local school system. By involving local sponsors, Garst thinks a bond will be created between the community and the children, as well as encouraging the children to continue reading on their own. Sponsors fro the “Learn to Read” program at McCleary Elementary include: The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Craig County, Boitnott Funeral home, Wal-Mart (Salem), Castle ands, Dominion Dodge (Salem), Oakwood Homes (Roanoke), Shelor Chevrolet (Christiansburg), Appalachian Power Company, Sison and Ryan Quarry, C & M Grocery, Hunter’s Den, Pinkerton Chevrolet, Danny Lineberry, Harvey’s Chevrolet (Radford), Shepherd’s Auto Supply, State Farm Insurance (Hettie Farley), Rebecca Price, Peggy B. Gilmore, Becker’s Clinic, Craig Printing, New Castle Telephone, Highland Propane, Craig Botetourt, Joe’s Trees, Frank Rhudy, Craig Manufacturing, Twin Oaks Store and Sandra Reynolds.
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
