FORT STOCKTON Through the generosity of Amerigroup Texas, the Carson Scholars Fund has announced the opening of the first Ben Carson Reading Room in Fort Stockton Independent Schools at Apache Elementary School. The opening day ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 9 a.m. at Apache Elementary School, 208 W. 18th St. in Fort Stockton.
The Ben Carson Reading Project, founded by retired, world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, is an initiative of the Carson Scholars Fund. The purpose of the Ben Carson Reading Project is to create a literacy-enriched environment for children to become proficient and enthusiastic readers, a news release said.
“Apache Elementary is honored to have been selected by Amerigroup to receive a Ben Carson Reading Room. Our jungle-inspired room was created to help students further develop and nurture their love of reading. Our goal is for our students to continue to dream big and inspire them to make a difference in this world!” Karina Pacheco, Apache Elementary School principal said in the release.
“Amerigroup uses a comprehensive approach to addressing the whole health needs of individuals, and we recognize the profound impact that reading can have on children’s literacy, development and future health outcomes,” said Greg Thompson, President of Amerigroup Texas. “We are proud to align our supports with the efforts of Fort Stockton Independent School District, to bring the first Ben Carson Reading Room to Apache Elementary School, and we look forward to seeing the students flourish through reading.”
Ron Cline, FSISD Assistant Superintendent added, “Today more than ever, our kids need examples, safety, leaders, role models, inspiration and hope. Ben Carson Reading Rooms do more than just put books in the hands of children, they inspire young people to soar to new heights, develop a love of reading, grow and soar to new levels of motivation and hope for the future.”
To date, 269 reading rooms have been established in 23 states with eight reading rooms serving students in Texas. To learn more about the Carson Scholars Fund visit www.carsonscholars.org.
