For students who met their AR reading goals at Coston Elementary, a sweet treat made it all worth while. Blue Bell Creameries brought huge tubs of ice cream to help the kids celebrate right before Spring Break.

“We want to be good partners in our community and reward hardworking kids for reading,” said Daniel Taylor, Branch Manager of Blue Bell Creameries in Lufkin.

Third grade student Salvador Duran said his favorite books are the David books. Fourth grader Iliana Alday likes fiction and one of her favorite books is Pig the Pug. Fifth grader Corey Arline said his favorite books are non-fiction and about animals or snakes. Fifth grader Elijah Pool said he’s on the sixth Harry Potter book. All were very excited about being rewarded with ice cream.

“I feel like a kid,” said Lyanna Lucas, third grade reading/language arts teacher, as she went through the line to get a cup of ice cream. “They’re always excited about AR parties. It really encourages them to read.”

Laura Ramos, third grade math teacher, agreed.

“This is a big incentive,” she said. “It motivates them.”