Amid the white sand and majestic dunes of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, First Lady Ann Scott kicked off the 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily)
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Amid the white sand and majestic dunes of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, First Lady Ann Scott kicked off the 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure.
First Lady Scott read The Day the Crayons Quit to children attending local day camps.
Nestled in the tranquility of the Florida panhandle, Topsail Hill offers a wide variety of natural resources for visitors to enjoy fishing, camping, bird watching and hiking.
Ann Scott
“The natural beauty of Florida’s state parks is the perfect environment for children and family to explore the best of the Sunshine State,” said First Lady Scott.
“I want to challenge all of Florida’s students to join me in reading as many books as possible during the summer break and take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge.”
First Lady Scott was joined by representatives from the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Snacks for the children and books were generously donated by the Florida Lottery.
Pam Stewart
“I want to thank First Lady Scott for her commitment to reading and helping students boost their literacy skills,” said Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart.
“Strong reading skills are the foundation needed to learn every other subject. When students read regularly, they gain confidence and ultimately do better in school and in life.”
“On behalf of the Florida Lottery, we are pleased to support the 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure,” said Secretary Cynthia O’Connell. “Reading is an adventure that can open up new worlds and spark a lifetime love for learning.”
The 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure helps keep Florida students excited about reading and literacy. Research shows that children who do not continue reading through the summer can lose a month or more of progress made during the school year.
By encouraging their children to read, parents play an important role in ensuring every child reads at or above grade level.
Donald Forgione
“I am pleased to welcome children and First Lady Scott to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to share the joy of reading,” said Donald Forgione, director of the Florida Park Service.
“Reading during the summer is one of the most important things children can do to keep up their literacy skills.”
Students can fill out their Summer Literacy Adventure Pledge form at 2015 Summer Literacy Adventure. At the start of 2015 – 2016 academic year, First Lady Scott will visit the school whose students successfully completed the most pledges.
