Lincoln College invites students for a ride on The Reading Railroad

[April 18, 2012]  Lincoln College invites any children ages 3-7 to participate in the second annual Reading Railroad on Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium.

The event is sponsored by the Iota Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

The Lincoln College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa continues its campaign to increase literacy, and The Reading Railroad is the chapter's final event this year. Area children and their parents will participate in activity "stations" intended to strengthen children's love of reading. Station stops on The Reading Railroad include "Bookmark Stop," where participants can create their own bookmarks, and "Storybook Lane," to hear a story read to them.

Children who visit all the stations on The Reading Railroad will receive a book of their own to start their personal library and a certificate for a free pizza provided by Stuffed-Aria in Lincoln. Also, there will be an opportunity for each child to win a goldfish from Pet Connection in Lincoln. Kid-friendly snacks and drinks will be provided.

Tommy Hilton of Mason City, chapter president, is looking forward to the return of The Reading Railroad.

"Last year's event was a great success and all the children who participated, and their parents, really enjoyed spending time at each station," Hilton said.

Lincoln College freshman Hannah Singleton of Pekin, the newly elected president for the 2012-2013 academic year intends to major in English education She noted that "teaching children the importance and joy of reading early is vital to their futures, and this event is geared towards doing just that."

Reservations are encouraged but not required. For additional information, or to RSVP, contact Phi Theta Kappa's adviser, Assistant Professor Spring Hyde, at 217-732-3155, ext. 207.

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]