The 1,000 Books before Kindergarten program graduated its second class Sunday afternoon with a ceremony at the Perry Public Library. This year’s class jumped to 11 graduates from last year’s four.
Considering that 25 percent of the population of the U.S. reads zero books a year, according to research, then reading reading 1,000 books before even starting kindergarten is no mean feat.
Introductory remarks were presented by Perry Public Library Director Mary Murphy, and Children’s Librarian Suzanne Kestel, who directs the early reading program, recognized the children’s and parents’ significant accomplishment toward school readiness.
Diplomas and gift books were then presented to the 11 young readers graduating with honors:
- Sapphire Burke, daughter of Sienna Schwartz
- Jayden Chapman, daughter of Justin and Jessica Chapman
- Nicole Chupp, daughter of Joel and Rosa Chupp
- Lulah Compton, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Compton
- Oliver Compton, son of Nathan and Sarah Compton
- Allison Finn, daughter of Casey and Erin Finn
- Lauren Finn, daughter of Casey and Erin Finn
- Charlie Heinz, son of Josh and Lacey Heinz
- Clare Kautzky, daughter of Brian and Bridget Kautzky
- Ryker Norman, son of Matt and Kendra Norman
- Tommy Trotter, son of Mike and Brittany Trotter
The 1,000 Books before Kindergarten program started in the U.S. state of Nevada, Kestel said, as a way to spur public interest in reading and the importance of reading aloud to infants and toddlers. Kestel said early proficiency in reading is the most accurate predictor of overall school performance.
Murphy said this was the third year for the 1,000 Books before Kindergarten program and the second annual graduation ceremony. She said she hopes the annual event continues to grow.
