EUSTIS — Isaac Lerdo, 8, devours books like he did the hot-dog lunch he received for completing a summer reading program at Eustis Heights Elementary School.
“I love reading,” said Isaac, who will be in the third grade when the 2015-16 school year starts next month.
He couldn’t wait to dig into the book he received along with the picnic lunch, both courtesy of Eustis Elks Lodge 1578. The title is a mouthful — “Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds).”
About 100 Eustis Heights Elementary and Eustis Elementary students who attended summer school lunched last week on hot dogs, chips and cookies. Kids in the reading program received a book weekly for five weeks. Those with perfect attendance received another one at the conclusion of their summer studies.
Elks Lodge member Gabe Stewart said the organization wanted to make a difference in the lives of the Eustis youngsters. The club supported the summer reading program with a $2,000 grant that covered the cost of the curriculum, books and celebration.
Stewart, 72, nodded toward youngsters who were receiving various awards as the reason for the club’s gesture.
“There’s our future. You can’t put it any more concise than that,” said the Umatilla resident, who is retired after a career in land development. “When you see the light bulb go off in some of these kids you know you’ve made a difference.”