Shown holding their prizes are the February winners of the Book Boogie program at Milford Elementary, sponsored by Operation Read.
In front row from left are Imilia Gonzalez, Bailey Casey, Lyla Wuthrich and Liberty Lehman.
In the second row are Rosemary Miller, Brie Tusing, Alaina Mench, Marian Szynal, Tyler Beer and Logan Castro.
In the third row are Cheryl Pearson, staff winner and Milford Elementary librarian, and Martha Whetstone, an Operation Read volunteer. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.

News Release

MILFORD — Milford Elementary School students have been participating in Kosciusko’s Operation Read Book Boogie program since the start of the school year.

Eme Baut and Marin Szynal, fifth graders, are among those students participating and were asked a few questions about the program.

Both noted the program has encouraged them to read more and encouraged other students to participate.

Alivia Buzzard, kindergarten winner, is shown with the prizes she won as the February Book Boogie winner for her grade level. Photo by DeeAnna Muraski.

“It is a good option to find out about more genres and read more,” said Baut, with Szynal adding students should “definitely give it a try.”

Baut also added reading has helped her improve the words she uses and to use bigger words.

“The librarian has been able to start me reading at a higher grade level. It’s also made it easier for me to read big words and make it reading easier altogether,” she said.

Both Baut and Szynal noted the prizes were great and encourage their school friends to participate.

“You can learn and dream,” said Szynal.

Baut stated she would “remind them they can always find a favorite book on any subject and there are so many series to get involved in. … It is such a great program that has encouraged me to read.”

The monthly winners of the Book Boogie receive goodie bags filled with prizes, including books. For February, there were 13 staff participants with each receiving a $10 gift card, chocolates and a goodie bag.

February winners are:

Kindergarten — Alivia Buzzard

Marin Szynal and Eme Baut, fifth graders, participate in the Book Boogie program and recommend the program to all their friends and other students. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.

First grade — Liberty Lehman and Lyla Wuthrich

Second grade — Imilia Gonzalez and Bailey Casey

Third grade — Logan Castro and Tyler Beer

Fourth grade — Rosemary Miller and Brie Tusing

Fifth grade — Marin Szynal and Alaina Mench.

January winners were:

Kindergarten — Adelaide Utter and Alyssa Miller

First grade — Camdyn Deak and Sydney Beer

Second grade — Imilia Gonzalez and Bailey Casey

Third grade — Logan Castro and Jenna Bucher

Fourth grade — Harrison Lehman and Brie Tusing

Fifth grade — Lilyana Thompson and Marin Szynal

The staff winner for February was Cheryl Pearson. The January winner was Beth Banghart.