Hubbards School Wins World Reading Challenge

The students of Shatford Memorial Elementary School in Hubbards are world champion readers.

The students read 609 books per child -- 44,429 in total -- to beat out children from more than 85 schools in two countries in the Adopt-A-Library WOW! Reading Challenge.

The top three spots in the international competition went to Nova Scotian schools. Walter Duggan Consolidated School in Westville was second with 487 books read per student, while Oxford Regional Elementary School was third with 411 books read per child.

The students at Shatford Memorial received their Canadian and world championship trophies from Education Minister Judy Streatch at a ceremony today, May 28, at the school.

"A love of reading opens so many doors," Ms. Streatch said. "I congratulate all the students for exploring the world of books and developing their literacy skills, which form a crucial foundation for lifelong learning and a successful future."

The students also received a world champion banner and $3,000 to buy books for their school. Students in Westville received $2,000 and Oxford's pupils received $1,000.

The 14,700 participants from Canada and Ireland, including students from 52 Nova Scotia schools, read 1.3 million books between November and April during the challenge.

The reading challenge is an initiative of the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program to promote literacy as a long-term crime prevention strategy.

Studies show getting children and youth to read regularly improves their literacy skills and helps them develop self-esteem and make better decisions. As a result, they will be less likely to engage in activities such as bullying and crime.