Five more Reading Rooms were recently corralled into the Carson Scholars Fund ‘motivational arena’ serving students across America! And this was a “second” for Midland, Texas! Last year was the first set of 5 schools that were gifted in Midland with the effective learning motivator of reading choices! As success breeds success, thus, another chosen set of 5 schools had unique reading rooms installed for their students!

1. 1. Anson Jones Elementary (opening site)
   2. Bush Elementary School
   3. Greathouse Elementary
   4. Jane Long Elementary
   5. Pease Communication & Technology Academy

At the host school, Anson Jones Elementary, members of the Trailblazer safety squad and faculty greeted and personally escorted guests through the halls decorated with student artwork, to the gym for the program.

Principal Tanya Duewall opened the program, and warmly welcomed guests and several representatives present from the other schools who were there to celebrate the installation of the reading rooms.

The Trailblazer safety squad continued by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Think Big presentation, where the “G” in this case stood for “gratitude”.

Principal Duewall then informed all that ‘Reading Railroad’ is the resultant theme that was developed by the committee, to be a place created for students “to grow their imaginations and discover limitless options” for themselves!’

In a video message, Dr. Carson shared his struggle with reading and how he overcame it, realizing that he did not have to be a ‘victim of circumstance’ and that “the person who has the most to do with what happens to you in life….is you!” Once he embraced the reading program his mother had organized for him and his brother, no book was safe! He encouraged the students with these words, “you can travel the world without leaving the room,” and read about popular book characters and any topics that you can imagine! He also reminded them that they could explore history and the world by reading books!!

The rooms opening that day brought the total number of rooms in Midland to twelve! And the total in Texas to 23! “Across the country there are now 293 Ben Carson Think Big Reading Rooms” announced Candy Carson. She spoke about the power of the brain and how much potential each child has. The story of her husband’s hemispherectomy patient who studied so hard she rose to the top of her class with only half a brain wasn’t lost on anyone. It gave all ‘pause’ to consider, when she asked, “What can you do with a whole brain and some determination!”

Kyle Stallings’ stories of how he developed a love of reading as a youngster, included his “literary friend”, Toby Tyler, and his experiences as he joined the circus, and “Call of the Wild” by Jack London, about a canine “literary friend” in his adventures in Alaska! He advised the students that reading can have a big impact on your life and increase your chances for success.

Principal Duewall and Vice Principal Christy Roberts then presented gifts of photo books on the progress of the Reading Railroad to donors Jamie and Kyle Stallings and Candy Carson.

The Trailblazing Tornadoes School song, adopted from Vo Williams’ “Trailblazing” video was then played on the screen accompanied by student vocalists.

CSF liaison, Mary Ann Benton was called forward, declaring how awesome the whole process was with each of the rooms, the tremendous effort involved, and inviting everyone to view the photos of the other rooms and their coordinators in a wall display.

With the Ribbon Cutting at the room and a countdown from 5, it was open, and the adventure began!!

The Room:

“All aboard The Reading Railroad”

The mystique, adventure and new unique horizons that are the heart of train travel are present in the almost tangible ambience as one strolls through the Reading Railroad! Traversing various topographical delights on the journey to a specific destination can be thrilling, and stopping along the journey can yield even more beneficial delights! The Reading Railroad can be a venue and/or vehicle to vicariously view all the vestiges of the world! From the early years of settling our country, the rails have represented determination, exploration, adventure, connection, opportunity and expansion!

As you enter, a scene reminiscent of the popular Harry Potter series is on your left, from the station of the Hogwarts Express. On the right is an extensive mural with a locomotive engine emerging from a stone-faced tunnel!

An entire wall of children’s books in Spanish gives another type of opportunity to explore!

The structure of the room is a series of nooks, but each has its own “flavor”! From an undersea world of wonder in a cove with reflecting reefs, and an arbor-filled forest with copious waterfalls, to the mountainous divide of the west! The thoughtful and elaborately decorated areas were so inviting, that the rule where the students had to earn entrance was not a problem for them! To maximize the kids’ experience in the somewhat confined space, only 8 students would be allowed at a time…. but considering the uncharted waters inhabited by colorful sea creatures perched on walls, amongst books on shelves, cubbies to crawl in for a cozy adventure, and the “mountain caves” created by mosquito-netted natural wood bunk beds, the full experience is worth the wait!!

The artist’s creativity even involved sculpting jellyfish tentacles out of loofah sponges! And color-changing lights as well as other interesting interactive activities!

Many thanks to donors Jamie and Kyle Stallings and our school partners on the installation of these “reading retreats”!

Written by Candy Carson