With its best year of participation since 2012, Dion’s Pizza and the Albuquerque Isotopes closed the chapter on the 2018 Club Read program by awarding four students grand prizes.
Lezra Abrams (Horizon Academy West), Bah’Hozhoonie Fleg (Longfellow Elementary), Lorenzo Kloss (Coyote Willow Family School), and Dalilah Richardson (Kirtland Elementary) were this year’s recipients.
The quartet was among over 1,300 students who submitted second scorecards, an indication that the student has read at least 12 books. A total of 4,756 first scorecards were turned in, marking the highest total since 2012. Further, participants read 36,162 books over the nearly five-month long program that began in March.
Sixty-six schools participated in the 16th season of the program. For the second year in a row, the winner of the school competition was Navajo Elementary, which will receive a $300 check for library supplies. The school librarian will also receive a $50 Dion’s gift card.
The four grand prize winners learned of their reward by a surprise visit from Orbit, the Isotopes Mascot. Each winner received suite-level tickets to an Isotopes game, the honor to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, an autographed baseball, one customized Isotopes jersey, a booklet of Isotopes Park Baseball Bucks, free Dion’s pizza to enjoy during the game, and a $50 Dion’s gift card.
“The continued success and popularity of the Club Read program is astounding,” said Dion’s CEO Mark Herman. “It’s heartwarming that the youth in our community are not only responsive to this effort, but have fun participating year after year, fostering a positive connection with reading.”
About Dion’s
Dion’s was founded in 1978 by Jon Patten and Bill Scott in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Over 40 years, the company has grown to 23 stores, employs over 1,500 and has added locations in Colorado and Texas. Dion’s provides great food and a place for people to relax and connect with family and friends. We offer ease, simplicity and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of busy lives. We hold ourselves to an expectation of authenticity and excellence. Our employees, customers, and community members are partners in success. For more information, visit www.dions.com, call 505-858-1010, or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/DionsPizza, and Twitter & Instagram: @dionspizza.
About the Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a Minor League Baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. For more information, visit www.abqisotopes.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABQTopes/, Twitter: @ABQTopes or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abqtopes/.