Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley Summer Reading Program Draws to Close with Awards

Penelope DuBose& Jazmine AyonIt was a summer filled with exciting, enriching activities at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley. The children received access to all-day summer camps and programs, served daily meals, and were presented with school supplies.  In addition to education-based programs, the kids were treated to movies, a fishing derby, and a back-to-school shopping spree at Kohl’s Department Store.

One of the most popular, and perhaps, most competitive activities is the annual reading program culminating with the Reader’s Awards at a special August ceremony held at the organization’s La Quinta Clubhouse.  Each child tallied the hours of book reading that he or she accomplished since the June commencement. This popular program and awards ceremony has taken place for three decades.  All the participating children were presented with an award certificate and a backpack.

“Our young readers have been super excited about the awards ceremony counting down the minutes to its start,” said Program Director Mayna Dubose.  “This program was designed to help stimulate their brains.  It was created as an incentive education opportunity.  So, when the kids go back to school, it puts them ahead.”

The top two readers received special recognition.

First place winner eight-year-old Kaiya Esmeralda submitted 20 reading hours.  Kaiya loves reading, playing bumper-pool, and making arts and crafts.  Her goal was to be the top reader, and she proudly reached that goal.  The runner up was 11-year-old Penelope Dubose with a total of 18 hours and 30 minutes.  She has loved reading since kindergarten.  Penelope prefers to read National Geographic books as it enables her to learn more about the world we live in.

“I would like to congratulate and acknowledge our readers, who not only excelled in reading skills, but stayed focused on their reading this summer,” said staff member Jazmin Ayon.  “The kids did an outstanding job that doesn’t go unrecognized due to their time and dedication to reading at our La Quinta Club.”

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley is to save and enhance the lives of the young people of our community, especially those with economic and/or social needs by offering a safe-haven and meaningful youth development services provided by a caring and qualified staff

For more information, please call 760-836-1160 or go to http://www.bgcofcv.org

Editor’s note: Photos provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley