Reading rewards

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Rebekah Thigpen, 7, enjoys her ice cream bar at Martinez Elementary's "Take the Lead and Read" party. The party was a reward for children who performed well in the school's reading program.

Photo by Melissa Hall

Ambitious readers at Martinez Elementary School were awarded for their efforts recently with a "Take the Lead and Read" party.

Kyle Shultz, sports announcer with the Augusta Lynx hockey team, offered words of encouragement to students, who enjoyed ice cream bars during the presentation.

"There's nothing in the world that makes me more happy and proud than when the Lynx score a goal. He shoots! He scores!" Shultz shouted.

He read the book "The Magic Hockey Skates," and encouraged the kids to read. They also got to watch Shultz show off "The pumpernickel," the motion he makes when the team scores.

But the highlight of the event was when Louis the Lynx showed up. Louis and Shultz then broke out their hockey gear and dressed first grade teacher Elizabeth Lee, who earned hoots and hollers when she topped the ensemble with a helmet. She used a hockey stick to move the puck past Louis and into the goal to earn the kids Lynx trading cards.

Outstanding readers who were recognized that day were:

First graders Joshua Manley, Max Aquinde, David Makekau, Alex Dailey.

In the third through fifth grade, outstanding readers were: Simone Jordan Aubri Middleton Nicole Kalbas Allison Vick Lindsey Thompson John Makekau.