Sashabaw Middle School students rose to the challenge and exceeded the goal of 450 books for their winter reading incentive program, the Cougar Book Club. The program concluded April 6 with a grand prize drawing.
The program began in January when Media Specialist Joanne Steckling visited every language arts class to present book talks on the 16 selected books. The students earned a raffle ticket for each book read, and weekly winners received passes to Pine Knob, Star Theater at Great Lakes Crossing or Game Works.
Students who read at least five books were entered in the grand prize drawing. During the morning news program last Wednesday, Assistant Principal Glenn Gualtieri drew the grand prize winners: Meghna Dhir won a $50 gift certificate to Meijers and Danny McKean won a $100 gift certificate.
In addition, nine students were recognized for reading 15 or more books: Matt Buckley, 8th grade; Mike Buckley, 7th grade; Kortni Chrisman, 8th grade; Zach Comos, 7th grade; Spencer Ford, 8th grade; Evan Markarian, 8th grade; Danny McKean, 8th grade; Jillian Schwab, 8th grade; and Lydia Sherwood, 7th grade.
These students received a gift card to Borders? Books for $10 and an invitation to lunch with author Pam Flowers, who will visit Sashabaw on April 26.
When asked what he liked best about the Cougar Book Club, sixth grader Johnny Williams responded, ‘All the fun, funny, exciting books.?
Mrs. Steckling was especially pleased with the number of boys who participated.
‘We hear that boys tend not to be readers,? said Steckling. ‘That doesn’t seem to be the case at Sashabaw. This is the second year that the majority of students who read 15 books were boys.?
The Cougar Book Club is sponsored by generous donations from the Sashabaw PTA, Meijers of Auburn Hills, Star Theaters and Pine Knob Ski Resort.