April 13, 2012
An eighth-grader from HISD's Fondren Middle School has been named a "Scholastic All-Star Award" recipient for his participation in the READ 180 program.
Ludreche Bouanga is one of only 12 students to be recognized nationwide, and as a winner, he will receive a cash prize of $1,200 and $1,000 worth of books. He will also be featured on the Scholastic website and in that organization's electronic newsletter.
The Scholastic All-Star Award was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of students in READ 180 and System 44 classrooms across the country who have overcome reading challenges to succeed in school.
Ludreche, whose first language is French, came to Houston from Africa just two-and-a-half years ago. He was selected to receive the award because his Lexile scores (a system used to measure reading comprehension, vocabulary, and other literacy skills) showed an astonishing three-and-a-half years of academic growth after using the READ 180 system for only six months.
"READ 180 really changed my life," wrote Ludreche. "I cannot even explain because I love it so much. I told all my friends that they need to use READ 180, too. It helps them learn English fast and spell words better."
Fondren Middle School reading teacher Emily Wilson said that Ludreche is extremely deserving of this award. "Ludreche is one of the most dedicated, kind-hearted, and motivated students I have ever taught," she said. "I am so proud of him."
