Demonstrating their mastery in reading, more than 2,800 Pasadena ISD elementary school students read a total of 55,150 books districtwide, bringing in more than $34,500 for the annual March of Dimes Reading Champions campaign.

Reading Champions is a motivational program facilitated by the March of Dimes that helps raise money for research that will help save babies from premature births. Pasadena ISD was one of the first districts to spearhead the fundraiser in the fall of 2005.

Turner Elementary School, one of 30 participating elementary schools throughout the district, has claimed first place for the school raising the most money so far in every campaign, with Laura Welch Bush Elementary and Burnett Elementary coming in a close second and third place for this year’s fundraiser.

“We are very humbled and proud of our students and the support of our parents,” said Turner’s peer facilitator and campaign coordinator Rene’ Fleming. “Having this opportunity to give back in our world today is one of the most important lessons we can teach our students.”

To raise the money, students get family members to agree to sponsor them so much per book they read during a four-week period. At the end of the four weeks, each student who participated receives a Reading Champions certificate with his/her name on it and a gold, silver or bronze medallion depending on the number of books read.

This year, 1,705 students received gold medals, 495 students won silver medals and 503 students collected bronze medals.

The teacher with the most student participation is also recognized every year, and Pomeroy Elementary Pre-K teacher Melissa Morales was surprised to be the recipient of this year’s award.

“The children felt very proud of their accomplishment,” Morales said. “I think this fundraiser is a great educational opportunity for children to feel empowered to help others while reaching their own goals. Even at four and five years of age, people can make a difference in the lives of others.”

Fleming said although the students do all of the reading, the campaign takes a great deal of parent participation as well.

“Parent participation is key, because they become the at-home cheerleaders,” Fleming said. “It would be almost impossible to have the success we’ve experienced without the commitment from our parents. We are very blessed.”

To help them understand what they were raising money for, the students watched a video that explained how the March of Dimes helps premature babies develop and how they help to prevent premature births.

“We want our students to understand how truly blessed they are to be able to get up each morning and be physically able to get ready for school, run and play without much thought. However, there are many children with limitations because they were born too soon,” Fleming said. “The video and the discussion inspired our students to want to help save the lives of little babies.”

Pasadena ISD Executive Director of Curriculum and Staff Development Karen Gibson said this fundraiser teaches the joy of volunteerism as well as increases student achievement districtwide.

“The March of Dimes has given our students a unique and wonderful opportunity to help others while becoming better readers,” Gibson said. “We are proud of all of our students and appreciate the support of their parents and our community. We look forward to more successful campaigns.”