NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Legislator Aney Paul honored a group of engaged students who completed her summer reading program during a special ceremony in the Legislative Chambers.

Students were required to read at least five books and to submit a description of each. Students who successfully completed the task were presented with certificates in recognition of their commitment to reading and by extension, being lifelong learners.

“Reading is a skill and a gift that brings rewards throughout a person’s life,” Legislator Paul said. “For students in particular, reading is a vital tool that helps them maintain the knowledge they gained during the school year while equipping them with the skills to improve their lives all through their lives. I’m proud to see the initiative these students have shown and the commitment they have made to being lifelong learners.”

According to experts at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education, reading is always important, but in summer, it can matter even more because students’ reading abilities can drop significantly once school is out for the season. By reading throughout the summer, students can retain and even grow their reading abilities. Reading is necessary for learning, it exercises the brain, and can it improve concentration, literacy, and general knowledge.

The following students were recognized for their efforts:

Holly Baboo, Jaden Chacko, Saniya Chacko, Leah George, Neah George, Dylan Gottlieb, Maya Gottlieb, Samuel Jacob, Simon Jacob, Stephen Jacob, Thejus Joseph, Isabelle Joy, Ancelin Mathew, Melissa Mathew, Alina Mundankel, Chris Mundankel, Dayna Thomas and Peter Thomas.