DeLauro Honors Rosa’s Readers at Year-End Reception

North Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) recognized the hard work of the 482 first graders who participated this past school year in the "Rosa's Readers" program at a year-end reception. DeLauro also announced that Jack Lyon who attends Yalesville Elementary School in Wallingford won the annual bookmark competition – everyone who participates in the program is also invited to submit an entry in the "Rosa's Readers" bookmark competition. Each successful student received the specially designed bookmark and a "Certificate of Achievement." Three students received honorable mention for their bookmark design: Brynn Hesse who attends Guilford Lakes; Lola Julia who attends Yalesville Elementary; and Julia Kosienski who attends Brewster Elementary.

"These students have quite an accomplishment – each one of whom read, at a minimum, twenty books. I am very proud of them and they should be very proud of themselves," said DeLauro. "It has always been rewarding to attend the classes where students are participating in Rosa's Readers and hear the kids tell me about the books they are reading at home, how their eyes light up as they explain the plot or a character in their favorite book. It reminds me why we started this program and, indeed, why I wanted to serve in Congress. We are really helping children here. So I am very proud to have been a part of the program."

DeLauro created the program, which asks students to read at least 20 books outside the classroom with their parents, siblings, relatives and teachers, to increase interest in reading in first graders while fostering family ties. Since its inception in 2001, thousands of kids from the 25 towns in the 3rd Congressional District have participated in the Rosa's Readers program.

About why she began the program, DeLauro added, "Nine years ago, when we started Rosa's Readers, we had one simple goal: we wanted to share with young students our love of reading and to join us on the adventure that awaits us each time we open a book. And we wanted parents more involved because we know what a difference they make in their child's success in school. We believed it could help make a difference. I am excited about the program's success, because it has worked."