Last weekend Akayla Olibrice-Jones, a third grade student at Willow Hill Elementary School, was awarded a plaque for “Most Improved Reader” by third-grade Willow Hill teacher Mrs. Shalon Doctor at a pre-game ceremony at Citizen’s Bank Park. The ceremony was part of the “Be a Phanatic about Reading Program” hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies team. The Phillies encouraged students at Willow Hill to read or be read to at least 15 minutes per day for the entire school year. Students kept track of their reading and are hoping for a visit from the Phillies Phanatic as well! Mrs. Doctor nominated Akayla for “Most Improved Reader” based on her growth in reading this year, as well as from when she was in first grade, when Mrs. Doctor was also her teacher. Akayla is now even more enthusiastic about reading and enjoys reading to younger students. Ten students from across the Philadelphia region were chosen as winners and appeared on the field with Akayla, As the award winner, Akayla and her family were invited to attend the ceremony and the game against the Atlanta Braves!
Photos show: Akayla holding her plaque in the Phillies press room; Akayla and other student award recipients on the field prior to the award ceremony and game: student award recipients with their teachers; and Akayla and Mrs. Doctor in the Phillies press room.