Pre-K Students Excel with “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” Milestone

The Jackson County School Board paused its regular agenda this week to celebrate a remarkable achievement by some of the county’s youngest learners, reading 1,000 books before kindergarten.

Superintendent of Schools Hunter Nolen introduced the special recognition, noting the importance of encouraging literacy from the very beginning. “Mr. Chairman, we have one more presentation,” Nolen said. “These are a thousand books before kindergarten, so we’ll make sure we honor these future students of Jackson County. Today we have five young readers to honor.”

Nolen welcomed Alicia Purvis, Children’s Services Manager with the Jackson County Public Library, who organizes the program and works directly with families participating in the initiative. The program encourages children to read, or be read to, 1,000 books before entering kindergarten, a milestone that research has shown sets the stage for long-term academic success.

Five students were recognized at the ceremony:

Carter Boatwright, the first student honored, proudly accepted his certificate with a heartfelt thank you.

Adalynn Couvertier beamed with excitement as she became the second reader to receive recognition.

Oona McKinney accepted her certificate with a smile that reflected her love of books.

Brothers Liam and Matt Smith rounded out the group, each honored for reaching the 1,000-book mark.

“Reading or being read to at such a young age is an extraordinary accomplishment,” Nolen said. “It shows that both parents and children are committed to learning, and it sets the foundation for a successful educational journey.”

The School Board emphasized that early literacy is more than just a benchmark, it is the cornerstone of future success. Students who develop strong reading habits before kindergarten are better prepared not only for school, but for a lifetime of learning.

“We want our students to know we are proud of them,” Nolen added. “Any recognition we can give is a plus, because it encourages them to keep going.”

Through partnerships between families, the school district, and the public library, Jackson County is ensuring its youngest citizens are starting school with confidence, curiosity, and a love of reading that will carry them well beyond kindergarten.