First Lady Ann LePage to distribute 500 books in Washington County, become a Summer Reading Ambassador

AUGUSTA – First Lady Ann LePage has pledged to help spread the importance of children reading over the summer by signing on as a Reading Ambassador for the 2015 Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.

The Challenge is a free, global reading program that motivates children to read throughout the summer months to prevent the effects of the “summer slide” – the learning losses that can occur when school is not in session.

“I’m so honored to be a Reading Ambassador for Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge again this year,” said Mrs. LePage. “I’m a firm believer that if a child learns to read and learns to love to read, there is nothing they can’t accomplish in life.

“With the help of Scholastic, on Wednesday, May 13, Mrs. LePage will help pass out 500 books to students of three elementary schools in Washington County. First Lady LePage will greet students and offer a few remarks at each school beginning at 11 a.m. at DW Merritt Elementary, 518 Indian River Road in Addison.

She’ll then travel to Harrington Elementary School, 1227 US Highway 1A, Harrington, for an all-school assembly at 11:45 a.m. and end her tour at 12:30 p.m. at Milbridge Elementary, 39 Washington Street, Milbridge.

For more information on the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge and for free online support for students, parents and educators, please visit http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2015.