Thank You, Grant and Nettlton schools for letting Qwest Pioneers talk to the students about how important it is to read and make friends for life with books. Stephanie Heilig principal was not able to accept the books due to illness. Shane Johnson and Kathy Bogen did the honors they both were very thankful for the book each student would receive that were left with there teachers to hand out in the afternoon. Books were also left for the school library at Nettlton as the two schools will merge next school year. Cat in the Hat stopped by to read a story Move Over Rover to the students before a question and answer session all students enjoyed the story and could not wait until their teachers handed them out the books.
Between the two schools a total of 591 students will benefit from the free books. Afterwards fifth grade teacher John Bushey was thrilled the students will have books to read over the summer. He stated 25% of the students were homeless and over 70% receive free or reduced lunches with the teachers needing to provide needed items for the students many times.
Qwest Pioneers when doing a Readers For Life program we look for schools where the need is the greatest to try to encourage a love for reading and books. A quest for knowledge is so very important at this age the wealth of learning will last a life time for many students.
A special Thank you, to the active and retired Qwest Pioneers who helped make this a special program many say seeing the eyes of the students makes this a very special project. Qwest Pioneers won a national award for Readers for Life in 2009. Qwest Pioneer co-chair's on the project is Jan Swenson and Donna Ness also known as Cat in a Hat. With the help of Lee Poirier also from the Twin City area, Char Reno, and Nancy Eilefson Duluth area. It was with great pleasure I was able to help on behalf of Minnesota 18 Chapter Pioneers State President Pat Jeukens I wish all students could have had a book to read whenever they wanted to or someone to read to the little ones who can not yet read.