This afternoon, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) kicked off his 2017 “Summer Read and Run Challenge” by honoring last year’s champions, the students of Carder Elementary School in Corning. Palmesano partnered with Hokey Pokey Ice Cream owner Randy Stanton to reward the kids with an ice cream party.

“Congratulations to the students of Carder Elementary. I am so pleased you spent last summer improving your reading skills and exploring all of the new worlds that await us when we pick up a great book. I’m equally happy you took time to be outside and stay active all summer. Living a long, fulfilling life is all about balance, and that is what this program is all about. Best of luck in this year’s “Summer Read and Run Challenge,” said Palmesano.

"Once again, Assemblyman Palmesano is living the notion that it takes a village to raise a child. Phil has been a long-time supporter of all kids, fighting for public education and his reading challenge is the latest evidence of that. We thank him in a big way for recognizing the great students of Carder School who represent their families, school and community at the highest possible level each day," said Superintendent Michael Ginalski.

“The reading challenge has been a real hit with students at Frederick Carder Elementary and something we intend to continue to provide to our students. I hope Mr. Palmesano continues to do the challenge for our students and I encourage all of our community leaders to follow his lead. We are grateful for his effort as it has provided us with another avenue we can use for our students to help reduce summer reading regression. I appreciate his support in encouraging all students to read during the summer and as you can tell by the number participating, the reading challenge has been quite a success at Carder,” said Principal Daniel Davis.

“Congratulations from Hokey Pokey's ice creamery for a job well done. Carder school students are the future of our country. Readers are leaders and the students of Carder elementary are on a great path. Again, congratulations,” said Randy Stanton, Owner of the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream.

“It is critical to encourage the students in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions to stay active during the summer. That means quality exercise and a continuing commitment to learning and reading. No matter how much our culture changes, there will never be any substitute for playing outside with friends all day and opening up a great book at night,” 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. The winning school earns an ice cream celebration the subsequent year by achieving the highest participation rate based on enrollment.

Additional brochures are available from Palmesano’s district office by calling 607-776-9691.