The students at Avoca Elementary were rewarded for their avid reading and commitment to exercise today courtesy of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Twin Kiss Ice Cream. Palmesano is rewarding the students for earning the highest participation rate in his 2014 Summer Read and Run Challenge.

“Congratulations to the students of Avoca Elementary for all their hard work and to all the other kids throughout the 132nd Assembly District who participated in the Summer Reading Challenge. This program encourages our kids to learn and stay active during the summer months,” said Palmesano. “Reading and exercising regularly at a young age can lay the foundation for a balanced, fulfilling adult life.”

“Any opportunity that we have to continue to engage the students of Avoca Central School in reading through a program such as Assemblyman Palmesano’s Summer Reading Program is fantastic. We had terrific participation on the part of our students and look forward to the opportunity for our students to continue again this year,” said Avoca Superintendent Stephen Saxton.

“The students of Avoca Elementary School are very excited to be honored by Assemblyman Philip Palmesano for their commitment to reading. Assemblyman Palmesano’s summer reading incentive was a great kick-off for a year committed to reading. Mrs. Kilbourne, our Library Media Specialist, kept the momentum going during the school year by partnering with Scholastic and the Read 100,000 program allowing our students to track their reading during a three-month period. Students in grades K-5 read for 200,338 minutes during that time period. Thank you, Assemblyman Palmesano for emphasizing the importance of reading. It is good for our children to know that their leaders value their efforts,” said Avoca Elementary Principal Stephanie Helgeland.

“Congratulations, Avoca, on your performance in Assemblyman Palmesano's summer reading challenge. You're the cream of the crop,” said Aaron Mullen, Steuben County Legislator.

“I would also like to say a special thank you to Kim Loghry, owner of Twin Kiss Ice Cream in Avoca, NY, for partnering with me to provide this treat for our students,” said Palmesano.

“All of us at Twin Kiss would like to extend our congratulations to all of the elementary students at Avoca Central School. We are pleased to partner with Assemblyman Palmesano to provide an ice cream treat to acknowledge the hard work and effort they put forth to win The Summer Reading Challenge sponsored by Assemblyman Palmesano. We are proud of each one of you and look forward to seeing you over the summer. Keep reading,” said Kim Loghry, owner of Twin Kiss Ice Cream.

Palmesano will also host an ice cream party for the winner of this year’s “Read and Run” challenge.

“It is critical to encourage the students in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions to keep their minds and bodies active during the summer. In this increasingly digital age, it is important to show kids that playing outside and reading a book can be the most rewarding ways to spend a summer day,” Palmesano said.

To participate in this year’s challenge, parents or guardians mark the calendar on the Read and Run brochure for each day in July and August that the student reads and exercises. If the child fulfills their fitness and reading goals, they earn a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading and Fitness Certificate. Additional brochures are available from Palmesano’s district office by calling 607-776-9691.