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READ 180 All-Star Awards
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Scholastic congratulates the nine student winners of the 6th annual READ 180 All-Star Awards!
The Scholastic READ 180 All-Star Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of students in
READ 180 classrooms from across the country who have overcome reading challenges to succeed in school.
Nine winners were selected from more than 400 nominees for the READ 180 All-Star awards being honored by Scholastic for making incredible gains in reading achievement and overall student performance.
The READ 180 All-Star winners each receive a $1,200 check from Scholastic to be used towards furthering their education. The nominating educators of the All-Star winners will also receive $1,000 worth of Scholastic educational materials for their classrooms. |
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Congratulations to the READ 180 All-Stars!
The 2008 READ 180 All-Stars are: |
| Stage A |
 | Kevin
Franklin Elementary, Manitowoc, WI
Kevin fell behind in school from the start, and struggled so much with reading that in as early as third grade he said he wanted to quit. Decoding basic words was so difficult for him that he developed a reading stutter, which eventually began to impact his speech. After a year and a half of hard work on his reading, Kevin is in his school's gifted program - and his stutter is gone. “READ 180 has helped me to gain confidence in myself and to know I can succeed,” Kevin said. |
 | Britteney
Ramona Elementary, Moreno Valley, CA
Britteney had always struggled with reading and writing and, without successful intervention, might never have had a chance of succeeding. At the beginning of the fourth grade, Britteney's reading scores showed she read below the first grade level, and after a year and a half of reading intervention, she is now reading with her fifth grade peers. And she's spreading her new-found love of books by reading to her little brother. |
 | Adilene
Clay Elementary, Mableton, GA
In just one year, Adilene has caught up to her peers - even though she only speaks English at school. Like many non-English speakers who move to the U.S. as children, Adilene struggled to succeed in school and had trouble focusing and believing in her abilities. But today, after a year of READ 180, Adilene has caught up to her classmates, and her enthusiasm for reading is contagious. |
| Stage B |
 | Burina
South Lawrence East Middle School, Lawrence, MA
A middle school girl who cared only about fitting in with the crowd is now a leader academically at her school - and proud of who she is. Dealing with the pressures of middle school was difficult for Burina in the 6th grade. “I didn't care much about school, just how I was going to fit in with the crowd,” she said. She failed some of her courses, and behaved poorly in class. But with intensive work on her reading, she has transformed. “I like to help others and my teacher even says I am a leader,” Burina said. |
 | Michael
New Providence Middle School, Clarksville, TN
As a student classified as special education, Michael used to
act out in class instead of asking for help. He told his teachers
there was nothing they could do to make him read. On a path
toward giving up, and perhaps eventually dropping out, Michael
has made a remarkable turnaround while learning to read. “He
has changed his attitude, his sense of self worth, and his life”,
his nominating teacher, Laura Lipinski, wrote.
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 | Johanna
Pulaski Middle School, New Britain, CT
Knowing very little English made school next-to-impossible for Johanna. Now she reads to her brother and translates for her father. When Johanna started in her READ 180 class she had a history of poor behavior and struggled with reading and writing. Her transformation this year has been so dramatic that she was one of a select few
students from her school to be accepted into a summer program that prepares middle school students for college. “I am happy because I have had the opportunity to learn a new language and also translate for my father when he needs help reading or understanding English,” Johanna said. |
| Stage C |
 | Timothy
Cypress Falls High School, Houston, TX
Former teachers say Malik used to be disruptive in class and hated school. The first book he picked off the shelf at the beginning of the year in READ 180 was Slam, by Walter Dean Myers. When he finished it, he told his teacher, “This is the first book I have read without pictures.” Six months later, he's on the honor roll. |
| Roy
Blue Springs South High School, Blue Springs, MO
He grew up in a rough neighborhood and failed his first year and a half of high school English. Now his grades are up and his sights are set on college. Roy was so far behind in his reading skills that he was getting mostly Fs and Ds in his classes. But after a year in READ 180, he's earning As, Bs and Cs. “Roy has just recently begun talking about college,” his teacher, Kristi Williams, wrote. “He confided in me admitting that he never thought it would be possible.” |
 | Sara
Lake Havasu High School, Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sara was a gifted student in Mexico, but when she moved to the U.S. the language barrier made school difficult. Now she's “the smart girl” again. When Sara moved to the U.S. and began 1st grade in American schools, the daunting language barrier made school difficult. And by eighth grade, she was still getting mostly Ds and Fs. But her reading intervention class has taught her she can still be the “smart kid” she remembers being in Mexico. “Now that I had a chance to be in READ 180, it helped me a lot. It helped me to understand what I was reading, instead of just guessing,” Sara said. |
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The 2007 READ 180 All-Stars are: |
 | Symphany
Stage A, William G. Bennett Elementary, Laughlin, NV
Symphany had been tracked into special education since the second grade as a result of poor reading skills. When she began READ 180 at the start of 4th grade, she was easily frustrated and impatient with school. In just a few months, Symphany and her teachers began to see improvements in her work. In just a year and a half, she moved from reading at a basic level to reading above grade level.
Symphany has tested out of special education and is now in general education classes and succeeding in school. “She has conquered every challenge thrown her way,” writes her teacher, Ira Perry. “Symphany’s success and determination carries over from reading into all areas.” Symphany, who loves reading now, says, “I miss my READ 180 class, but I’m glad I’m out!” |
 | Freddie
Stage A, Windmill Street School, Providence, RI
The new kid in a new school, Freddie entered 5th Grade reading at a 3rd grade level. “Freddie began the year as a shy, quiet boy who struggled with reading and writing,” said his teacher, Judy Burns, “His confidence in his academics and his enthusiasm for all his classes has increased, and he is now excited to borrow books for reading at home!”
Now, Freddie is reading above grade level, is proud of the progress he has made in his reading, and recognizes that he is improving every day. “In the beginning of the year, I never liked to read and write, but now I made it to the District Spelling Bee and came in fifth place!” |
 | Marie
Stage A, Temperance-Kutner Elementary, Fresno, CA
At the beginning of the school year, Marie, a shy, quiet English Language Learner, had to struggle to understand English and achieve in school. She was performing at a low elementary school level, but today reads at a fifth grade level. Marie says, “At first, I didn’t like to go to school because I had to read a lot. Now, I love reading!” “Marie has challenged herself to go beyond where she thought her limits were,” writes one of her teachers, Donna Pappas, “She has discovered new ways of connecting what she reads to her own experiences, and she doesn’t hesitate to share with others!” When asked about her future, Marie says, “I have a dream to go to college. I’m not sure what I want to study yet, but now I know I can succeed.” |
 | Giang
Stage B, Paredes Middle School, Austin, TX
When Giang moved to the U.S. from Vietnam a few years ago, she knew she had to learn English fast, but it was easier said than done. She learned to speak it quickly, but her reading skills lagged. “From the moment Giang entered the classroom, she had a desire to learn to read better. She is a very driven, hard-working student,” writes her teacher, Deborah Fullman, “She has a bright future ahead of her, and I am thankful to have been part of her journey.”
Giang’s hard work is paying off; her reading skills are rising and she’s recognizing the changes in herself, “I try my best to speak, read and write English well,’’ she says, “And I know that if I try my best, there’s nothing I can’t overcome.” |
 | Florentina
Stage B, Greenway Middle School, Phoenix, AZ
Florentina entered the 7th grade reading at a first grade level and struggling to overcome the language barrier. The result for her was frustration and low confidence, as she had trouble understanding assignments. She was placed in a READ 180 class at the beginning of the year, and her teachers began to see a change in her. “Florentina now comes to school smiling and willing to work—I can see such potential in her—she is becoming such a good leader,” writes her teacher Sandra Blair.
Now, Florentina reads on grade level and sees the impact of her increased reading scores in school and beyond. “Now I understand what I’m reading and succeed in reading,” she said, “and I’m making good choices in my life outside of school.”
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 | Terryelle
Stage B, Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, Largo, FL
For Terryelle, the frustration of reading at a 3rd grade level when she entered the 6th grade led to behavior problems and a feeling that she would never succeed. She put it best herself: “I used to walk around with my head held low…Every time I got frustrated I would pout.” Today, Terryelle, who was tracked in special education, is reading at an amazing 10th grade level, gets excited about classes, leads several student groups, and is set to move into general education classes next year.
According to teacher Sara Carroll, Terryelle has a “newly adopted positive attitude toward herself and school, which is a direct result of her improved reading ability.” Terryelle is just happy to be reading and writing. “I’m proud to hold my head up high because I know that I can make something out of myself. My mom and family are really proud of me and I know I am going to succeed in life.”
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 | Jose
Stage C, Metro Tech High School, Phoenix, AZ
As the oldest son in large family living in a Phoenix barrio, Jose feels a responsibility to look after his younger brothers and lead by example. But the frustration of living with poor reading skills was impeding his success when he entered school this year. “Now, Jose stands out amongst his peers because he has embraced his education with courage and willingness to accomplish his dreams,” writes his teacher, Mario Malaby.
After less than a year in the program, Jose’s reading scores are rising and he marks a transformation in not only his own life, but also in the lives of his younger brothers, who consider him a role model, “They can often be found spending much of their time reading, and they are embracing the life-changing concept that reading is essential and vital to success (essential and vital are words I recently learned!).”
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 | Caleb
Stage C, Fort Vancouver High School, Vancouver, WA
Before beginning his reading intervention program, Caleb was the kind of student who sat quietly in the back row and was easily overlooked. He lacked the confidence to read aloud in class, and had trouble relating to many of his classmates. But he has found a home in his class, is catching up with his peers academically, and making new friends while he’s at it…one of his best new friends is his teacher.
“Caleb really has done a ‘180’” writes his teacher, Bree Petty, “he is speaking aloud in groups, answering questions, becoming a group leader, and improving his reading and written language skills.” Caleb recognizes his own transition as well, “My reading and writing has improved and I might be able to go to college now and get a job helping kids that have trouble reading like I had trouble reading!” |
 | Kevin
Stage C, Hickman Mills High School, Kansas City, MO
Kevin’s poor reading skills resulted in ambivalence toward school. But the improvement he’s seen this year has put him on a path toward success, and changed his attitude at school. “Before, I was a horrible reader and, on top of that, I was a terror in the classroom. Now, I always want to show people that I am a great student and a better person, both in and out of the classroom.” Kevin’s accelerating reading skills have helped his performance in all his classes. “From the low Fs he was earning in most of his classes, he has risen to mostly As and Bs,” writes his teacher, Kimberly Martin, “He now influences others to succeed and is a willing and important member of our class discussions.” |
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The 2006 READ 180 All-Stars are: |
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Chelsea
Stage C, Phoenix Academy, Sarasota, FL
Chelsea has blossomed since she began receiving intensive reading intervention and has made several years of growth—today she is reading on grade level. The ninth-grader states with assurance, “I realize that I can really do anything that I put my mind to. I now have confidence in myself and in school, and I believe that I can go to college and pursue my dream.”
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Denzel
Stage C, Durango High School, Las Vegas, NV
Talking about his struggles in school, Denzel says, “It all started when I was a freshman in high school. I was getting into a lot of trouble. I was under a bad influence. I never looked forward to school.” After only six months of reading intervention, Denzel has improved his reading by three grade levels. He has refocused his energies on succeeding in school and now actually enjoys school. Denzel recognizes the difference: “READ 180 has made a big improvement in my life, such as: keeping me away from trouble, enjoying school, and not giving up. Giving up never crosses my mind.”
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Rodney
Stage C, North Myrtle Beach High School, Little River, SC
Rodney reveals that, “At the beginning of the year, I was not doing well in school.” After receiving proper reading intervention with READ 180, Rodney is now seeing firsthand how his strides in reading are changing his attitude in school. “Everything is different now. I am not scared to read out loud anymore. I am learning to do better work.”
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Jasmine
Stage B, Flat Rock Middle School, Tyrone, GA
When Jasmine entered eighth grade, she was reading far below grade level and exhibited little confidence in her ability to succeed. Jasmine states, “For many years, I was shy and had a huge fear of reading out loud in class.” Fear no longer prevents Jasmine from making an effort to learn, and her grades across core classes have risen throughout the year—she has fought to be the best student she possibly can. When given the chance to talk about her recent academic success, Jasmine says, “I’ve been given a new start and a new confidence in school. I am a new student!”
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Jimmy
Stage B, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Middle School 131, New York, NY
The child of Chinese immigrants on New York City’s Lower East Side, Jimmy has little contact with English speakers outside of school, and has little exposure to the world beyond his neighborhood. A student classified as Special Education, Jimmy has always struggled in school, but perseveres because he “wants a better future for himself and his family.” Since making drastic improvements in reading, Jimmy has also begun to value and respect himself as a learner as well as a person. |
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McKenzie
Stage B, Raytown South Middle School, Raytown, MO
At the beginning of seventh grade, McKenzie’s struggle with reading affected all her core classes. Says McKenzie, “I hated school and reading, but that changed about a year and a half ago.” McKenzie was reading on a low elementary school level when she entered seventh grade. Today, she reads on grade level and now includes her English class among her favorite things about school. McKenzie speaks proudly of her recent transformation, “My experience learning to read was amazing…I wish I could find a way to thank READ 180 and my two amazing teachers for what they have done. My future is brighter and clearer, and I couldn’t be more thankful.” |
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Lennon
Stage A, Lake View Elementary, Huntington Beach, CA
Despite the support of his concerned family, Lennon struggled to learn to read and entered fifth grade as a beginning reader. Since he began reading intervention, Lennon has made tremendous growth in reading. He is excited to learn and he tries hard every day to make the most of his academic experience. Lennon is proud of the progress he has made in his reading, and recognizes that he is improving on a daily basis. “I am really happy I am learning to read, and my parents are proud of me, too!” Lennon’s new mantra is, “I can read!” |
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Adam
Stage A, Fairview Elementary, Anchorage, AK
A naturally shy child, Adam transferred into his school’s Special Education program this year as a fifth grader. In the minority as a Yupik (Alaskan Native), and with little knowledge of life outside of Alaska, Adam struggled to open up to other students and his teachers. Through reading intervention, Adam began to blossom and learned to read. Adam excitedly states, “I used to have a hard time in school, but now, I like to read! My grades in other classes have gone up as well.” |
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Raul
Stage A, Andrew Jackson Elementary, McAllen, TX
Raul, an English-Language Learner, has had to struggle to understand English on his own and set an example for his younger siblings. At the beginning of the year, he was performing at a low elementary school level, but today reads at a fifth grade level. Raul says, “I used to be shy getting up in front of the class, but now it is a piece of cake!” Raul eagerly continues, “READ 180 has definitely turned me around! I have read 13 books and I am not stopping!” |
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The 2005 READ 180 All-Stars are: |
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Alyssia, READ 180, Stage C
Central High School, LaCrosse, WI
Alyssia is committed to hard work and is experiencing school with a newfound sense of self-confidence. “I have never been so challenged before in my life. …I started to see changes…I wasn’t afraid to take those risks any more, because I can read better than I ever had before,” says Alyssia. |
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George, READ 180, Stage B
Cario Middle School, Mount Pleasant, SC
George has a new work ethic when it comes to school, with a drive to succeed and set an example for other students in his school. George says, “Now with my READ 180 class, the schoolwork is fun. I’m learning and trying so hard that new situations are available to me.” |
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Guadalupe, READ 180, Stage A
Jefferson Elementary School, Manitowoc, WI
Guadalupe, an English-Language Learner came to the United States in 2002 and has made astounding growth in both her language acquisition and academic achievement. Says Guadalupe, ”READ 180 has changed my life by making homework easier, improving my Lexile, and now I like reading more. I now feel like I can read anything, write anything, or spell anything.” |
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Hector, READ 180, Stage C
South Miami Senior High School, Miami, FL
Hector has made incredible academic gains since participating in READ 180 and is reading extra books in addition to his required reading. Says Hector, “Whenever I read I want to keep on reading the book or passage I am reading. I think I have really done a 180 in life.” |
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Jesse, READ 180, Stage B
Indian Trail Junior High School, Olathe, KS
Jesse now puts a great deal of emphasis on his grades, has advanced in all areas of the curriculum, and has almost finished reading his first novel, all the while gaining more self-confidence. Jesse says, ”READ 180 has changed me. Now I love reading books. Instead of playing my game station, I read all day at home.”
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Kevin, READ 180, Stage A
Morse Avenue Elementary School, Placentia, CA
Kevin, whose native language is Spanish, has taken on a leadership role among his peers and has transformed his attitude towards learning. ”READ 180 is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. It has helped me read with more confidence,” says Kevin.
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Melissa, READ 180, Stage C
Taylor Middle-High School, Pierson, FL
Melissa has improved her schoolwork in all of her content-area classes and is now on the Honor Roll. Melissa says, “Reading is very fun for me now because I understand what I am reading.”
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Milan, READ 180, Stage A
Corley Elementary School, Lawrenceville, GA
Milan has a new attitude since starting the READ 180 program. Milan says, “It was like reading was a sworn enemy that couldn’t be conquered. Reading is no longer an enemy. It is now my best friend.”
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Shadrack, READ 180, Stage B
East Middle School, Brentwood, NY
Shadrack is driven to excel in school, with dramatic improvements in all of his academic areas, notably writing. “The more READ 180 Paperbacks I read and the more Topic CDs I completed, the closer I was to reaching my goals. I know now that I want to become a writer. I’m proud to have written many stories which I hope to have published one day,” says Shadrack. |
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