New Reading Room for Smith Renaissance School Students
Ben Carson Reading Room Opens at Smith Renaissance School
One of the major goals of the reading room is to encourage kids to read for leisure
By, Elizabeth Rittiman, Communications Specialist, Smith Renaissance School
On November 9 at 10 a.m., the Smith Renaissance School hosted a grand opening for the Ben Carson Reading Room, attended by members of the school’s book club, class representatives, and, via video conference, Ben Carson himself.
Ben Carson is an African American neurosurgeon and Director of Pediatric Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush in 2008. He is the author of Gifted Hands, which the school’s book club is currently reading.
The reading room was one of five that were awarded a grant from the Carson Scholars Fund, with underwriting from the Richard Lundson Foundation. McKinley-Thatcher, Maxwell, Columbian and Goldrick Elementary Schools also received funding and opened their own rooms at the same time.
During the opening day celebration, Dr. Carson’s wife was on hand met briefly with the book club students. During the video conference, Dr. Carson talked about his life and the impact reading had on him.
After Dr. Carson’s remarks, each school had one child ask him one question. Smith Student Council President Ariana Bates asked Dr. Carson, “How did you make peace with other people when you disappointed them by making bad choices?” Carson responded that you must use your actions to show those people that you can be successful.
While not a library where kids can check out books, students are encouraged to spend lots of time there reading their favorite books. Parents are also encouraged to join their kids in the room.
For more information on Smith Renaissance School, visit smith.dpsk12.org.