Reading is its own reward

Students sit on the floor and show off their books, in the back are (standing left to right) school board trustee Ryan Reynolds, school board president Keith Williams, literacy coach Gina Gemalsky, principal Marsha Davis, superintendent Steve Head, Keith Gast and PTO Vice President Beckie Barber.

Photos and story by
Matt Schepeler

Students at Onsted Elementary have a fun new way to get books thanks in part to the Onsted Kiwanis and Onsted PTO.

Molly Gemalsky seeking what book she’d like to pick out.

Both organizations donated money for an “Inchy, the Bookworms Vending Machine,” which is now located in the library.

Molly Gemalsky is ready to use her golden coin.

The machine operates from golden tokens that students can earn or win. Administrators are still working out the details, but the premise is to reward students for earning good grades, good behavior, and good attendance.

Lilly Louden is going to learn about Babe Ruth.

It turns out the hardest part of the process is actually choosing a book. Students who get a coveted golden coin have a variety of choices from which to choose, from inspirational to instructive to historical.

Paisley Murphy chose the book “Love that Dog” to read.

Onsted officials have put an emphasis on reading, as, they have noted, it is integral to a student’s educational career and well beyond.

Henry Brown checks out his options.