Youngsters take a ride on Lincoln College's Reading Railroad

[May 06, 2011]  The Reading Railroad stopped at Lincoln College's Davidson-Schaffer Gymnasium on April 30, and children ages 3-7 came to enjoy a day of fun-filled reading activities. Attendees had the opportunity to make their own bookmarks, write their own stories and listen to classics such as "The Cat in the Hat." Other activities included listening to "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" and a chance to win a free goldfish provided by Pet Connection in Lincoln by tossing a pingpong ball into a bucket.

After a quick stop at the Snack Car to refresh, attendees completed other activities, including folding origami while listening to a story about origami and making their own buttons. Children who stopped at all the activity stations earned a free pizza from Sam Sorrento's Pizza in Lincoln and got to choose their very own book to take home, provided by Iota Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Lincoln College.

Mark and Amy Tippett of Lincoln and their daughters, April and Hope, had a blast at the event. April explained, "The best part was that my sister and I won fish and read books." Mark was very pleased with the enthusiasm for reading shown by the Phi Theta Kappa students running the various stations. "Everyone from the little kids to the college kids to the parents had a great time!" he said. "Our girls were very excited about all the stations and the activities they could do. They didn't want to leave!"

Lincoln College's Iota Chi Chapter embarked upon a yearlong campaign to increase literacy, and The Reading Railroad was the chapter's final event. Iota Chi's newly elected president, Mason City resident Tommy Hilton, said, "We could not be happier with the result of the first annual Reading Railroad, and we are already planning to be bigger and better next year!"

Phi Theta Kappa is a junior college academic honor society. To be eligible for membership, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and have earned a minimum of 15 credits at Lincoln College. Phi Theta Kappa and the Iota Chi Chapter dedicate themselves to four hallmarks: service, scholarship, fellowship and leadership.

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]