Kids earn cash for reading
By Dwight Otwell

Children in the Cherokee County Schools Summer Camp were awarded $2 for each book they read this summer through Congressman Charles Taylor's Earning by Learning program. The cash was handed out Friday at Murphy Elementary School. From left are Cody Armitage, Emily Puckett, Emily Edwards and Eric Spalding. Not present is Seth Morgan. In back is Judy Edwards, who is in charge of Edwards' office in Murphy.

Summer reading has paid off for six summer camp students.

Congressman Charles Taylor continued his Earning by Learning program this year by taking money from his own pocket to provide incentives for children in his district to read during the summer.

Taylor targets at-risk kids and provides $2 for each book the kids read. The money comes from his own pocket.

Friday, Judy Edwards, who works for Taylor, presented cash to six students who have attended the Cherokee County Schools Summer Camp. All of the students are rising fourth graders. The presentation was made at Murphy Elementary School.

"I hope those who read the books enjoyed them," Edwards told the children.

Edwards handed envelopes containing $1 bills to the students. The students read six to nine books each this summer. Eric Spalding made $18 for reading nine books.

Children receiving cash for reading books were Cody Armitage, Emily Puckett, Emily Golding, Haley Edwards, Eric Spalding and Seth Morgan. Wendy Ledford was director of the summer camp and Cynthia Arrowood assisted.