ST. CROIX SUMMER CAMP STAR READERS at the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion Summer Program pose for a photo on August 3 after enjoying a lunch of pizza and juice for reading the most books on average in the 2016 Summer Program Read-Off Competition.
The countdown to meet the 2016 Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) is on as students in the St. Croix district hasten to read more and more of their favorite books. In the meantime, about 15 summer camp programs on the island were boosting their young participants’ interest in reading by engaging them in a SRC prelude, the 2016 Summer Program Read-Off Competition, piloted by Program Manager Denise Gomes and staff of the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of the V.I. Department of Education (VIDE).
With about 300 summer campers participating in the first time read-off, Gomes said that the effort was successful, as she presented first place certificates and treats to campers at the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion Summer Program Wednesday, August 3. Students received certificates and enjoyed pizza, cake, drinks for their winning literary performance, courtesy of the Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands. And of course, more books were a part of the students’ winning package.
“I am thrilled. I didn’t even expect this (winning 1st place),” said an excited Sirdrina Isaac-Joseph, Walter I. M. Hodge Summer Program Director. “I did have my students read and study hard to help them develop their literary skills and achieve the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, and this honor placed on them today is very much welcomed and appreciated.”
Fabia Dover served as the assistant director, while Myasha Browne was camp counselor at the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion Summer Program which was sponsored by the V.I. Housing Authority. Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator Zelda Williams at VIHA came out to encourage the students to continue upgrading their literary skills by taking time out to read regularly throughout the coming school year. Williams was joined by Safiya Farrely, a community service specialist at VIHA.
JOSHUA JOHANNES of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Summer Program, accepts certificate from Denise Gomes of the V.I. Department of Education’s Office of the Assistant Commissioner. Hodge Pavilion Summer Program’s students read an average of 13.11 books to win the 2016 St. Croix District Summer Program Read-Off. 
Synia James is all smile and colorful as she relaxes in the computer lab at the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion Recreation Center prior to accepting a certificate and treats for her summer camp’s winning effort in the St. Croix District Read-Off competition.
Denise Gomes, center, of VIDE’s Office of the Assistant Commissioner presents plaque to Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion Camp Director Sirdrina Isaac-Joseph, right, for placing first in the St. Croix District’s 2016 Summer Program Read-Off. Zelda Williams of the V.I. Housing Authority, sponsor of the Hodge Pavilion Summer Program, is at left.
Honorary plaque bestowed to the campers at Hodge Pavilion Summer Program for reading the most books in the 2016 Read-Off contest.
