Students
from
J.E.B Stuart Middle School and
Joseph Stilwell Middle School recently competed in a race to read the most books, as part of the Subaru Star Reading Program sponsored by Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru of Orange Park. Geared to help seventh-grade students accelerate their learning, the program awards prizes based on reading achievements and helps drive a lifetime love of reading. On May 21st, J.E.B Stuart Middle School wound up in the winner's circle and will receive $2,500 for their school, courtesy of Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru of Orange Park.
This was the second reading contest sponsored by the local dealerships. To get the event rolling, an assembly was held where staff administrators were given special T-shirts and students were given kickoff packets that included a Subaru Star Reading backpack, pencils and bracelet.
Each week students were tested on reading and comprehension of books assigned throughout the year in order to prepare them for year's end. Students competed against each other as well as opposing classes in their school through Jeopardy-style challenges. The winning student from each school was then awarded lunch from a restaurant of their choice to enjoy with a guest. Students who were noted for working extra hard could be recommended by teachers, staff, or administrators.
"The Subaru Star Reading Program was fantastic," said Gregory D. Bostic, Principal of J.E.B. Stuart Middle School. "It prompted a spirit of collaboration and motivation for J.E.B. Stuart and Stilwell. The students from both schools showed positive gains in Literature, Grammar, and the writing process."
As part of the program, a winning class was also chosen based on the number of points earned during the Jeopardy-style games. The winning class received a pizza party sponsored by Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru of Orange Park as well as a $100 giftcard for their classroom to help buy school supplies.
For the finale, each of the schools chose a team of 5 students plus alternates to compete in a head-to-head Jeopardy-style challenge between the two schools, hosted at Joseph Stilwell Middle School. Parents, administrators, and members of the school board attended to cheer on each school.
At the end of the competition, J.E.B. Stuart won the grand prize of $2,500 from Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru of Orange Park. Of course J.E.B. Stuart wasn't the only real winner in the Subaru Star Reading Program. Because of Joseph Stilwell Middle School's exemplary participation in the contest, Subaru will also donate $500 to their school as well.
"All of these kids worked really hard to achieve goals for themselves and for their school," said Phil Porter, President of Subaru of Jacksonville and Subaru of Orange Park. "It was an honor to help provide a program that gets children to see their own potential."
This event is a continuation of the dealerships' charitable contributions in the Jacksonville community. In the past, it has delivered meals and perished goods to needy food banks and families throughout the city, donated a car to the Fraternal Order of Police, and teamed up with First Coast No More Homeless Pets on several events to help the organization raise money for their cause and secure donations.
Subaru of America, Inc. also announced its “Share the Love” event which donates $250 from each new car sold to one of five charities.
“We've offered this reading program in years past, and it has always been a big success,” said Porter. “We felt we had to continue it as part of our commitment to the community and our community's children.”
Phil Porter founded Subaru of Jacksonville in July of 2000. Since 2002, Subaru of Jacksonville has been the volume sales leader for Subaru vehicles for the entire state of Florida, a top ten volume dealer for the South Central Region, and a winner of the Subaru of America “Chairman’s Roundtable” award, recognizing the top 25 dealers in the U.S. based on sales volume and customer satisfaction. For additional information, visit www.sojax.com.
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