IRMO, SC - Oak Pointe Elementary School student Ciara Cooke has been named as the Read with the Gamecocks top second grade reader in South Carolina. Ciara read 3,191 pages and was recognized on her achievement at the South Carolina women’s basketball game against Auburn on February 9. In January, Irmo Middle Student Corey Corley was named top eighth grade reader in the state.
“Ciara is a dedicated student in all aspects of her education here at Oak Pointe Elementary School,” said Oak Pointe Elementary School second grade teacher Kerri Roberts. “With regards to reading, she initiates her own reading in class, listens attentively to read-alouds and is fully engaged in shared reading experiences. I am honored to be her teacher, and to be a part of her successes as a top reader as well as her overall academic achievements. I am so proud of her work ethic and dedication to such an important part of growing her brain!”
The regional Read with the Gamecocks reading program promotes literacy and encourages reading among students from kindergarten through eighth grade. With this year’s plan, the program is divided into three individual segments that offer students three opportunities to Read with the Gamecocks, and gives incentives to attend three South Carolina basketball games/special events with the Gamecocks.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Oak Pointe Elementary has had state winners in the Read with the Gamecocks program. “Reading is an integral part of the daily life at Oak Pointe Elementary School,” said Oak Pointe Elementary Media Specialist Angela Durham. “We are so thrilled for Ciara to be recognized as the top reader in the state among second graders!”
Oak Pointe Elementary School principal Cassy Paschal lit up with a smile when asked about Ciara’s accomplishment and said, “For Ciara to earn the recognition of Top Reader in the State for second graders in Reading with the Gamecocks is a true accomplishment for this wonderful young lady. Ciara lights up a room wherever she goes and inspires each of us around her to be the very best we can. She is a fighter, a reader and a joy to be around!”
