On Thursday, March 1, Assemblyman Philip Ramos (D-Central Islip) honored participants in the Assemblyman’s 2006 Reading Challenge with an awards ceremony at the Brentwood East Middle School auditorium.

Through the summer of last year, participating students were challenged to read for at least 15 minutes, with a parent or on their own, every single day, and to keep a calendar of their reading accomplishments. “Reading is the most fundamental way to help our children grow, as students and as citizens,” said Ramos. “It’s great to meet these bright, ambitious students, and an honor to recognize their commitment to broadening their horizons through reading.”

Over 150 students participated in Ramos’ 2006 Reading Challenge, from pre-Kindergarten up to the sixth grade. Those who attended Thursday’s ceremony were honored by the Assemblyman with a Reading Certificate. School Superintendents, friends and family were also present to join in the ceremony.

Assemblyman Ramos has sponsored the Reading Challenge event for several years, and this year, for the first time, students from the Brentwood, Bay Shore, Central Islip, and Islip school districts had a chance to meet with participants from other schools as they came together to celebrate their achievements.

Superintendent of Islip School District Alan Van Cott spoke at the event, congratulating all the students on their accomplishments and expressing support for Assemblyman Ramos’ efforts to get students engaged in reading.

Superintendent of Brentwood School District Michael Cohen was glad to host Thursday’s event, saying, “I am pleased to join with other local education officials to support Assemblyman Ramos in his outstanding effort. On behalf of the entire Brentwood Community, we welcome you to New York’s largest suburban school district and ask you to join us in our celebration of 150 years of education excellence.”