NEWS RELEASES

 

 




 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 Contact: Carson Chandler, (407) 246 - 2822
              Heather Allebaugh, (407) 246 - 3423
             
                       
 

Mayor Dyer and Hooked on Phonics Honor Local Literacy Leaders    
Orlando to Receive $150,000 Donation of Reading Programs to Help Thousands of Local Kids Learn How to Read

 

WHAT: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Hooked on Phonics is traveling across the country in a 1,000 square foot customized school bus, which serves as a mobile learning and recreation center to get parents and kids excited about reading. As part of the Hooked on Phonics HOP Across America campaign, the company is donating more than $1 million dollars worth of reading products to literacy programs and organizations, such as First Book, as well as libraries and schools.

In addition City of Orlando Parks and Recreation Department, Head Start, The Montsho Foundation and the Family Literacy Program will receive $150,000 worth of reading programs.
Locally, Hooked on Phonics and Mayor Buddy Dyer will honor four local “Literacy Heroes” for their efforts in driving literacy among at risk or disadvantaged children.

Adult heroes:
Vivian Bryant, Executive Director, Orlando Housing Authority
Dr. Timothy Blair, Professor, University of Central Florida
Jan Stratton, V.P. of Community and Diversity Relations, Universal Orlando
Martha Wright, Teacher, Jones High School

Student heroes:
Gloria Keaton, 4th Grader
Shaidreka Florence, 10th Grader

 
WHO: The “HOP Across America Tour” is sponsored by Hooked on Phonics in partnership with Zizzle and First Book

 
WHEN: Mon., Sept. 10, 2007
12:00 p.m.

 
WHERE: Callahan Community Center (101 N. Parramore Avenue)

 
VISUALS: Interviews with Mayor, HOP executives, First Book rep and local literacy leaders
Great visuals and photo opportunities on the HOP Across America bus
Students from Nap Ford Community School and Head Start (Pre-K) interacting with reading resources from Hooked on Phonics


 

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