20 Illinois Students Win Statewide Summer Reading Challenge, Including First Pitch At Cubs Game
8,732 Illinois Students Completed Local Library Summer Reading Programs for Chance to Win Cubs Experience
SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias today announced 20 young readers from across Illinois as the inaugural winners of Illinois Reads Together, a statewide summer reading challenge launched by the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the Chicago Cubs.
Among the winners, Bailey Quincer, 17, of Malta, was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before today’s Chicago Cubs game against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. The remaining 19 winners will join Quincer for on-field recognition before the game.
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The winners, ages 4 to 17, were randomly selected from 8,732 students nominated by participating public libraries after completing their local summer reading programs. The statewide challenge aims to combat the “summer slide,” the learning loss many students experience during summer break, while strengthening participation in local library programs and encouraging children to continue reading when school is out.
“Summer reading should be about more than just avoiding the summer slide – it should be about giving young people the opportunity to discover new worlds, explore their interests and develop a lifelong love of reading,” said Giannoulias. “It’s exciting to see thousands of young readers across Illinois rise to the challenge, reach their goals and earn this incredible experience. Congratulations to all 20 winners and every student who participated.”
Illinois Reads Together builds on free summer reading programs offered by public libraries across Illinois. Students qualified by completing the reading goals established by their local library, with participating libraries submitting qualifying names to the Illinois Literacy Foundation for the statewide drawing.
The initiative is the first “Impossible Prize” offered through the Illinois Literacy Foundation – an extraordinary experience made possible by reading.
“Public libraries work hard every summer to keep young people engaged, learning and reading, and Illinois Reads Together gives families another reason to participate,” said Mo Khan, Board Chair of the Illinois Literacy Foundation. “We’re thrilled to celebrate these 20 young readers and grateful to the Chicago Cubs for helping us make reading an unforgettable experience for children across Illinois.”
The 20 Illinois Reads Together winners are:
Bailey Quincer, 17 – Malta | First Pitch Winner
Owen Wolf, 6 – Carol Stream
Caleb Gilmore, 9 – Chicago
Laith Jamali, 6 – Chicago
Fáelán McCormick, 10 – Chicago
Oscar McDonnell, 7 – Chicago
Enid Van Peursem, 4 – Chicago
Nadia Rodriguez, 12 – Chicago
Henry Rons, 13 – Elk Grove Village
Jack Knapp, 9 – Elburn
Isaac Engel, 4 – Germantown Hills
Karissa Freeman, 17 – West Brooklyn
Karim Romero, 10 – Northlake
Kehlani Karner, 7 – Harwood Heights
Eden Bunzol, 4 – River Forest
Riyab Aftab, 8 – Hoffman Estates
Alem Music, 7 – Skokie
Mackenzie Diaz, 6 – Elgin
Dawson Nell, 7 – White Hall
Joey Miller-Cox, 9 – Wheaton
For more information about Illinois Reads Together and summer reading programs offered through Illinois public libraries, residents are encouraged to contact their local library.
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