Personalized books distributed to students for reading program

Two hundred and seventeen students from 10 second-grade classes at the Greencastle- Antrim Primary School recently gathered to receive their own individualized books, sponsored by several local businesses.

As well as sponsoring the books, The First National Bank of Greencastle also volunteered staff to distribute and read the books with students. The books are unique because each includes the name of the student and is written about a subject which interests that individual - a day at the zoo, a mystery, an adventure, or a sport. The stories feature the names of the child's friends or family members.

After an introduction from Robert Freet, Freet Publishing, The First National Bank of Greencastle's employees, Frank Klink, Carol Christophel, Julie Tarquino, Betty Kephart, Dianna Heim and John McDowell, along with Scott Slick of the Greencastle Exchange Club and Michelle Hummer of Henry's Floor Coverings, distributed the books.

The "Learn to Read" program is designed by Freet Publishing of Willow Hill and is based on the premise that children become more excited about reading when the books they read are about themselves, their friends and their surroundings. The books are written on the child's reading level so as to encourage reading.

"This is a wonderful program that The First National Bank of Greencastle is proud to sponsor," said John McDowell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who also read to his grandson at the event. "Reading is so important. Not only are the students excited about getting their books - they get such a kick out of reading them!"

The First National Bank of Greencastle is a subsidiary of Tower Bancorp, Inc. It operates 16 locations in Franklin and Fulton counties, as well as Washington County, Md.