Sophia Academy students spent the summer lost in books while making strides towards their college careers. Read2Succeed (R2S), an innovative summer reading and college scholarship program founded by Ralph and Barbara Papitto, provided each student with six books to read over the summer and a generous $1,000 college scholarship to those who completed a comprehension quiz for each book. Sixteen students earned the scholarship in this inaugural year.
R2S Founder Barbara Papitto stands with fifth grade R2S scholars Maria, Ahmari, Mariah, Herianna, and Camila.
“We know that students who participate in Read to Succeed maintain, and even improve, their reading skills over the summer. We also know how important a Read to Succeed scholarship is to making college that much more affordable for these families,” states Barbara Papitto.
Seventh grader Mia spoke at the Sophia Academy Read2Succeed awards ceremony, saying, “I have always thought that reading was fun, but this program made me appreciate different parts of reading… what I liked about the program was that it made me feel much more productive... I got to take time away from electronics, so I really liked that part of the program.
“Having this scholarship means that I’m preparing myself for college and I am helping my family with the money. I want to go to college because it will really prepare me for the real world and it will help me with my future career.”
Sophia Academy mentor Ting Barnard spoke to the students, sharing her story as a young immigrant from Laos who spent her childhood reading countless books in local libraries, which opened her mind to the wider world.
“We know it is never too early to start thinking about our future and what success means to each one of us. Read2Succeed not only supports reading and comprehension skills; it helps families who see college as part of their success story start that path early. I am so proud of the first group of Sophia students who took on the challenge and proudly shared their experience with their Sophia sisters,” said Melissa Moniz, Director of Middle School.
Congratulations to all of our R2S Scholars!
Favorite Summer Reads from Sophia Academy’s 2021 Read2Succeed Scholars
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret
Chocolate Fever
Dancing in the Wings
Efrén Divided
Fire Girl
New Kid
Other Words for Home
Outrun the Moon
Stella by Starlight
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
The Color of My Hands
The Giver