Over 150 elementary students in the Pottstown School District recently competed in the 13th annual school district Reading Olympics competition. The Reading Olympics requires teams of students to read 45 books in preparation for the event. Each round of competition sees two opposing teams attempt to answer 20 questions given in rapid-fire fashion from moderators. After a question is asked about a book, teams huddle to determine the correct answer. One point is awarded for each correct answer and Olympic ribbons are awarded for overall performance. District teams qualify to compete in the annual Montgomery County Intermediate Unit competition which annually attracts over 500 teams and 7,000 participants.

The Pottstown School District program is organized by Reading Specialist Mrs. Karen Neitz. The goals of the Reading Olympics are to increase students’ reading for enjoyment and promote reading skills that increase achievement and academic success. “I am always so excited to see our youngsters actively engage in reading. This event is an opportunity for students to experience teamwork and the satisfaction that comes from hard work,” explained Mrs. Neitz.

For the eighth consecutive year the Pottstown School District’s Reading Olympics program has received financial support from the local Diamond Credit Union. John Foust, President of Diamond Credit Union said, “We are proud to partner with the Pottstown School District in their efforts to promote the skill of reading so that students may learn to read so that they can read to learn. It is extremely rewarding to see the glow in students’ eyes when they correctly answer one of the questions. As an organization, Diamond Credit Union is committed to being a contributing member of our community.”