May 05, 2025
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Putnam County Record

Sixth-graders participate in Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s program

Putnam County Junior High students (front row) Julia Mosqueda, Kylee Moore, Sarah Johnson, Megan Wasilewski, Paxton Stunkel, Ryan Davis and Logan Keesee; (middle row) Celina Davenport, Emelia Grant, Avery Moutray, Hailey Cimei, Conlan Cwikla, Alex Myres, Jonathan Taylor, Miguel Reveles, Bryce Smith, Zachary Popurella and Ricardo Trinadad; and (back row) Makenzie Hanson, Gianna Rigazio, Lauren Henderson, Noah Pohlson, Neveah Goulding, Madison Boggio, Ryan Kunkel, Tucker Gualandi, Nathan Husser, Kyler Williams, Maggie Richetta, Josh Dove and Brock Boedigheimer participated in the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award program. Absent from the photo is Esmeralda Avila. (Photo contributed)

MCNABB — The Putnam County Junior High School sixth grade students participated in the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Award program. This Illinois award is determined by student votes. This award encourages students to read for personal satisfaction and develops a statewide awareness of outstanding children’s literature. The book, “I Will Always Write Back,” was chosen as being the favorite among the sixth grade participants out of the 20 nominated books.

This program was introduced to the students through a cooperative effort among Amy Carboni’s sixth grade classes and Debbie Thompson PCJH Media Paraprofessional. The Putnam County Educational Foundation approved the grant that helped pay for copies of the books and the treats for the party. This year an Illinois State Library Media Association grant was awarded to PCJH and they received a copy of each of Rebecca Caudill book.

After each student reads one of the books, they must pass the Accelerated Reader test, and then fill out a story balloon. A balloon report helps the student understand the parts of the novel.

After reading and reporting on three Rebecca Caudill books, the student receives a certification stating they are eligible to attend the party and to vote for the Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award. On Feb. 22, 34 students were given invitations to the party on Feb. 23. Thirty-three students voted and a total of 204 books have been read so far by just sixth graders.

Students were treated to cookies, soda, ice cream and toppings in celebration of Rebecca Caudill’s February birthday. Any sixth grader who reads all 20 of the Rebecca Caudill books will have their name engraved on a plaque to be displayed at the school in honor of this accomplishment. Students have until April 27 to meet the requirements to have their name on the plaque. Two students have already accomplished this goal.