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First-graders help American Cancer Society through ‘Read-for-a-Cure’

By Staff | Oct 31, 2013

Twenty-three first-graders at King Kamehameha III Elementary School raised $2,464.91 for the American Cancer Society in “Read-for-a-Cure.”

LAHAINA – Students in Abby Markulis’ first grade class at King Kamehameha III Elementary School recently accelerated their reading skills and donated $2,464.91 to the American Cancer Society.

Participating in a “Read-a-thon” called “Read-for-a-Cure,” the 23 students each set an individual goal to read a specific number of minutes each day over a two-week period.

Students asked their friends and family to sponsor them by donating money to the American Cancer Society.

“The class read a total of 6,063 minutes,” Markulis explained.

“It was an amazing event. My students were passionate about raising money for the American Cancer Society, and they were passionate about reading,” she continued.

“The outcome of the ‘Read-a-thon’ was far better than I could have ever imagined. Every student increased their reading stamina. Every student moved to a higher reading level. Every student increased their reading fluency. The class now reads an average of 23 more words a minute.

“My six- and seven-year-old students learned that even though they are young, they can make a difference by working together. It is my hope that they will continue to find causes they are passionate about and raise an awareness about them,” Markulis noted, adding that she is extremely proud of the effort that each student put forth during “Read-for-a-Cure.”

She thanked UFO Parasail, Emerald City Trapeze Arts, Maui Ocean Center, Kupanaha Magic Dinner Show, Paradise Grill and Dairy Queen for their donations.