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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Seminole Reading Program

SOUTHPORT - Mrs. Susan Street’s fourth grade class at Southport Elementary School got a special guest Wednesday morning.

The students were rewarded for their hard work and reading lots of books with a visit from Florida State wide receiver Chase Walker.

“We get a famous Seminole football player to drive from Tallahassee to come here and join us,” student Shelby Haney said.

Walker is a walk-on wide receiver for the Seminoles.  He also played quarterback at Arnold High School before graduating in 2004.

“This reading program has been involved with Florida State football players for awhile,” Walker said.

Other players that have visited Mrs. Steet’s class include Chris Rix, Jarad Moon, Dominic Robinson, Kyler Hall and Michael Boulware.

Mrs. Street has been doing the “Champions Reading Program” for nine years.

“I felt like, being from here, it was my responsibility to keep coming back,” Walker said.

The students read “accelerated reading” books.  The more difficult the book, the more points the students earn.  So far, the class has earned 2,945 points, which translates into 4,150 books.

“Since we’ve worked hard, this is our reward for doing so much work,” student Emilee Bennett said.  “It’s really great to have him here.  It’s a priority to have a Seminole football player at your school.”

“I enjoy it every time,” Walker said.  “I enjoy hanging out with the kids, playing with them, reading with them.”

As much as the kids like hanging out with a college football player, Chase said that it’s also rewarding for him.

“It makes you feel good, these good are working hard, reading everyday,” Walker said.  “They make all these presents for you.  It’s a really cool experience to come talk to them, hang out with them.”

Mrs. Street also added that out of her nine years doing the reading program, this year’s class set the record for reading the most books.

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