The Ayala Library is hosting a Readathon competition, in which students who log the most books read in a two-week timeframe receive a meal certificate from Raising Cane’s. “Cane’s” is a popular spot among Ayala students and is often crowded on Friday nights after a football game or on weekends, offering an incentive that seems worth it to most students participating in the competition.
“It’s an initiative to spark and strengthen a lifelong love of reading in our students,” said Librarian Anna Lee.
The library was lacking inventory, with a low number of books in comparison to the size and amount of possible storage available, and activities such as this Readathon aim to help students take that next step to reading and build a relationship with books, while also encouraging library use and trying to actively engage the students in reading more. Hopefully, this will not only benefit the students by giving them an incentive to read but also boost library growth.
“[Students] love Cane’s. Reading more will help the community advance intellectually,” said senior Joseph Paredes.
Along with being a fan of Cane’s, Paredes himself is an avid reader, who said he enjoys reading self improvement books. As a senior, Paredes has seen many different fundraisers, activities, and student incentive plans across campus. He believes the best way to promote these activities is through reminders on campus and rewards.
“I feel like they should make posters and put them all around and maybe add some incentives. So like, if you read a certain amount of books, you can get a little prize, like Chick-fil-A or Cane’s,” Paredes said.
Specifically, the senior students of Ayala have to check out or bring a reading book, as some days they read about 10 to 15 minutes a day during class. If they have to read, they may as well try to get tasty chicken while doing so. While the Readathon is not limited to seniors only, many including Paredes will use their class reading time to help with their involvement in the Readathon.
“When they’re motivated, they do more,” said English 12 teacher Ms. Lara Alsaid.
Lee is also involved with the libraries at Don Lugo High School, which also have a partnership with Cane’s, maintaining a positive relationship with the food chain that allows for this incentive.
“Raising Cane’s was the only restaurant, the only local restaurant that accepted that partnership and they’ve been incredibly generous since then, providing gift cards every single week,” said Lee.
Students, when given a deadline, prize, or a reason to work, often tend to work with more attention to detail. Throwing in some chicken tenders and a lemonade is simply another great reason to “hit the books.” Reading doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore either–many television shows and movies are adapted from their paper counterparts.
“I know a lot of the students, specifically my female students, like ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ so I would recommend that one to other students who haven’t read it,” Alsaid said.
Giving back to the community is important, and it provides a “win-win” scenario for all parties involved. Students who actively participate in this Readathon receive the prize of Raising Cane’s, and Cane’s themself gets business and public recognition. For more information on the Readathon, visit the library website or ask your English teacher.
