Simotas celebrates Summer Reading Challenge participants

Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas honored 35 local children with New York State Assembly certificates for completing the 2019 “Summer Reading Challenge.”

Ten students were invited to her Astoria district office last week for a celebration to honor their success. The kids discussed their favorite books over cookies and juice.

Each summer, the assemblywoman hosts this challenge for local students to encourage them to read every day, and to provide them with an age-appropriate reading list.

They also receive a calendar to mark their progress.

“I developed my love of reading in school with lots of encouragement from my parents,” Simotas said. “I hope the Summer Reading Challenge will encourage the same excitement for students and parents across the district.”