SECAUCUS – Rashad Jennings had an enthusiastic cheering section of hundreds of kids as he launched his “Reading Challenge” program in Secaucus on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The Huber Street School auditorium was filled with visibly (and audibly) excited kids as the New York Giants running back introduced the Rashad Jennings Foundation Reading Challenge. Explaining that when he was younger he struggled with reading, Jennings became determined to encourage kids to develop their reading skills.
Through the program, children get credit for each book they read after they successfully pass a short test by scoring 80 percent or higher. For each book they receive an entry into a raffle, with one winner each month picked at random. That winner can then choose from an assortment of used Giants game memorabilia, including autographed jerseys or cleats.
Jennings began the program when he was with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. He is currently in his first season with the Giants and is a Secaucus resident.
Mayor Michael Gonnelli has pledged $8,000 through the Secaucus Youth Alliance to fund the program. Students in grades 2 through 6 at Huber Street and Clarendon Schools in Secaucus are eligible to participate.
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