Duval Times

Jacksonville's River City Readers program, initiated by Mayor Donna Deegan, has concluded its first year with notable participation from residents of all ages. Over the past twelve months, participants logged their reading minutes daily using the Beanstack app, collectively reaching nearly 3 million minutes read citywide. A ceremony at City Hall recognized the top readers and awarded them prizes such as iPads, Icemen tickets, and books from the new River City Readers bookmobile.

Mayor Deegan expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks our creativity, and empowers us with the knowledge to shape the future.” She emphasized that "the River City Readers challenge is just the beginning of a journey toward lifelong learning."

The youth winners were categorized by age groups. In Pre-K, Evelyn Cawley from Anchor Academy Elementary School and Tavi McCarty from Melrose Preschool were among those recognized. For ages 6-10, Beau Archer from Jacksonville Country Day School was a winner. In the 11-14 age group, Felix Andonie from San Jose Prep was honored. The 15-18 category included Kendrick Battle from Frank H. Peterson Academies.

Adult winners included Delores Johnson and Laila Mai Nguyen among others.

Looking forward to its second year, Mayor Deegan plans to extend her literacy message across Jacksonville neighborhoods with a newly unveiled bookmobile funded through private donations by the Lucy Gooding Foundation and PNC Bank.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to support readers," said Mayor Deegan in celebration of their dedication to developing lifelong reading habits.

Photos of this event can be viewed on Flickr under RCR Challenge Winners with credit given to COJ/Wes Lester.