Centre Avenue students step up to the plate for summer reading challenge

Five Centre Avenue Elementary School students proved that reading is a home run this summer, earning special recognition for their participation in the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation's Summer 2026 Book Club.

Nicholas Kemp (second grade), Brien Mayo (second grade), Abigail Schemmel (fourth grade), Luke Schemmel (fifth grade) and Timothy Schemmel (first grade) were recognized for successfully completing the foundation's summer reading challenge. Each student selected age-appropriate books from a recommended reading list, spent the summer exploring new stories and submitted book reports reflecting on what they read.

In recognition of their efforts, all five students received personalized letters and certificates welcoming them as members of the ALL RISE Summer 2026 Book Club.

Centre Avenue Principal Calia Kelly also received a letter from Patty Judge, mother of New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge and president of the ALL RISE Foundation, highlighting the importance of fostering a love of reading among young learners.

"Sharing our love of reading is important to my family," Judge wrote. "We believe literacy builds confidence, strengthens critical thinking, encourages creativity and opens doors to new ideas and perspectives. Books have the power to help students dream bigger, understand others, and create meaningful moments with family."

Founded by Aaron Judge, the ALL RISE Foundation supports youth education and literacy initiatives, encouraging children to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Congratulations to these five Centre Avenue readers for stepping up to the challenge and showing that a love of books is always worth celebrating!