News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 27, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Kicks Off 2003 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge in Seattle and Spokane

Gov. Gary Locke today kicked off the 2003 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge by visiting schools in Seattle and Spokane. The governor spoke to students at Washington Middle School in Seattle and Bemiss Elementary School in Spokane.

“Reading is the key to all academic success,” Locke told students during rallies at both schools. “I encourage you to take your reading to new heights this summer and build on what you’ve learned this year. I want each and every one of you to succeed in life, and being a good reader is the foundation of that success.”

Education is the governor’s top priority. Locke started the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge last year to encourage Washington students to continue reading during summer vacation and add to the reading gains they made during the school year.

The theme of this year’s Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is “Take Your Reading to New Heights.” The governor is urging all students under the age of 18 to read 15 hours or more before Labor Day (Sept. 1) and report their success to him via e-mail or letter. Students can participate by being part of any summer reading program (library, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, etc.) or by reading on their own. Students don’t need to sign up for the challenge; they simply need to read at least 15 hours this summer and let the governor know what books they read before Labor Day.

Each student who meets the challenge will receive a signed certificate from the governor and become eligible for a trip for four to Disneyland, courtesy of Disneyland and Alaska Airlines.

Students can report their summer reading adventures to the governor by logging on to www.governor.wa.gov/summerreadingchallenge/default.asp or by writing to the following address: Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, P.O. Box 40002, Olympia, WA, 98504-0002.


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