Meadowlark readers 'read' for Kindles provided by Masonic Lodge
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(l-r) Front row, winners of a new Kindle reading device were: : Kaylee Skoyen, kindergarten; January Jensen, first grade (not pictured); Ben Murnion, second grade; Horizon Dubois, third grade; Kylee Green, fourth grade; Gracie Skoyen, fifth grade and Ryan Brewer, sixth grade. Back row: Librarian Tammy Edwards with Master Masons Frank Billmayer, Larry Surber and Ben Hall.
The excitement was palpable as Meadowlark students and staff filed in to the gymnasium for a school assembly. Seven lucky students' names would soon be drawn for their own Kindles (small, hand-held electronic devices for reading downloaded books). The Kindles were provided by members of Chinook Lodge No. 50 AF&AM. The local Masonic Lodge has about 40 members and the reading giveaway was one of several projects for youth supported by the group.
To have their names in the drawings, students had to read books and score at a certain level on a test about the book. Kindergartners could have their parents read to them or have parents verify that the little guys read so many minutes during the period of the contest. Books had to be read from January 15 to March 16.
Before the drawing, Meadowlark Principal Jon Martin introduced Librarian Tammy Edwards. She announced several readers who earned 'stars' and 'rainbows,' a rewards program also based on books read. Edwards asked, "Can everyone win a Kindle today?" The students roared back, "No." Clearly the kids knew only one winner would come from each class and only those who'd read enough books were in the drawing. The rules helped the really serious readers since "the more books students read the more times their name went into the drawing."
As three Master Masons, representing the local Lodge, lined up to draw names, Edwards said, "Only one student in each grade will win a Kindle. But, all of you who participated have won because you have been doing serious reading. Readers are always winners." The Master Masons rotated the drawing duties and the librarian brought seven buckets, with grade levels printed on each, to the front. As winners were drawn cheers rose from the audience. Winners walked up to the front, received a high five from Mason Frank Billmayer, and lined up for the picture taking ceremony. It was great drama.
Winners of a Kindle in each grade were: Kaylee Skoyen, kindergarten; January Jensen, first grade (not pictured); Ben Murnion, second grade; Horizon Dubois, third grade; Kylee Green, fourth grade; Gracie Skoyen, fifth grade and Ryan Brewer, sixth grade. Tammy Edwards noted, "Kaylee and Gracie Skoyen are sisters, they come from a reading family."
The "Journal" congratulates all these young readers for their reading work and hopes they enjoy their new Kindles. And, thanks to the Chinook Lodge No. 50 for providing a great incentive for reading.
