Reading 25 books in one school year may seem like a daunting task to a third-grader.

Thanks to the help of high school students from six area high schools, third-graders at Case Avenue Elementary in Sharon will be able to handle their assignment with some confidence.

Students from Sharon, Sharpsville, Hermitage, West Middlesex, Mercer and Kennedy Catholic make up Junior Leadership Shenango, an outgrowth of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce. The group meets each month with a different school acting as host.

Sharon hosted a meeting last week when the junior leaders learned about problem solving and communication. After learning some new skills, the students had a chance to put their newfound knowledge to good use.

Third-graders at Case Avenue Elementary have to read 25 books this school year. The Junior Leadership Shenango team worked with the younger students to help them develop a sort of reading schedule.

"Kids have trouble budgeting their time," said Sue McLaughlin, high school guidance counselor.

Third-grader Leo Rahn worked with Sharpsville senior Joel Pokorney to complete a "book chat" where the pair discussed a book Leo read and answered questions about the book.

Third-grader Hannah Levitt finished a book chat with Sharpsville junior Megan Palovsky and Hickory junior Elysse Magnotto.

Hannah said Megan and Elysse helped her to map about what books to read by setting dates on the calendar until she completes her 25 book standard.

Lisa Newmeyer, third-grade teacher, said the work the Junior Leadership Shenango students did with her class will also help her. Mrs. Newmeyer said she usually meets with each student on a weekly basis to help them with their reading plan. Now that the students have a calendar, Mrs. Newmeyer said she can help them manage their time better to reach the 25-book standard.

Ms. McLaughlin said the training went well. "This group of leaders is truly receptive," she said. The students have gotten to know one another and work well together, she said.

After working with the younger students, the Junior Leadership Shenango students had lunch with the members of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"The junior leaders are our future leaders," Ms. McLaughlin said.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharonherald.com

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