East Texas A&M Launches Lucky’s Reading Program With Support From Signature Solar

By Lion Athletics

With a goal to promote reading among elementary school youth across Northeast Texas, East Texas A&M University launched Lucky’s Reading Program earlier this fall with support from Signature Solar.

The goal for Lucky’s Reading Program is to have every K-5 student in surrounding counties read 35 books specific to their grade level or higher throughout the school year. Each student will be rewarded for every five books read.

Participating school districts currently include Commerce ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD, Cooper ISD and Cumby ISD. In total, over 3,500 readers are taking part in Lucky’s Reading Program this year.

“Lucky’s Reading Program advances our institutional mission to transform lives while at the same time positioning our athletics program and student-athletes to inspire and promote positive engagement in our local communities,” said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. “We are grateful for the support from Signature Solar for this initiative, and look forward to welcoming additional students and school districts throughout all of East Texas into this program.”

Student incentives for reaching benchmarks on the way to 35 books during the academic year include Lions merchandise, free tickets to Lion Athletics, and opportunities for lunch with Lion student-athletes, among other prizes. As a class, incentives include a visit from the team of their choice, a day at the university farm, or a demonstration from the robotics team.

All students from Cooper ISD, Cumby ISD, Sulphur Springs ISD, and Commerce ISD who read 10 or more books were recognized at a Lion football game this fall.

Signature Solar is the presenting sponsor for Lucky’s Reading Program as well as the annual Education Day game for men’s basketball, which is set for December 18 against Abilene Christian this year.

“At Signature Solar, we’re passionate about supporting programs that make a real difference in the lives of children. Our involvement in Lucky’s Reading Program and Education Day allows us to directly engage with our community, helping students build essential skills, nurture a love for reading, and learn important values through exposure to inspiring role models,” said Michelle Wallace, manager of Culture and Community at Signature Solar.