[NEWARK, NJ – March 22, 2019] The students of 13th Avenue School received a special gift recently from two brothers from Bernardsville, New Jersey. The brothers, Evan and Casey Hoeckele, along with their mother, Shannon Calvert, donated more than 300 books to the students.

The brothers started a program called Read to Lead – Evan & Casey’s Reading Program, to deliver books in good condition to students in New Jersey. The brothers said it was a fun thing to do because they had so many books they had read, that they wanted to share with others. Mother Shannon said, “I’m proud of my boys primarily for their interest in community service and creating a reading program as the anchor of that service. We are honored to present these books to the students at 13th Avenue School.”

The partnership between 13th Avenue and the Read to Lead Program began between Mother Shannon and colleague Natasha Levant, who used to work at 13th Avenue School. When they came up with the idea, they asked Board Member Floisha Hill if the book program was possible.

Mrs. Hill said, “Being a mother and member of the Newark Board of Education encouraged me to take advantage of this opportunity for our students at 13th Avenue School. The excitement of the students in receiving books as a gift was special and heartwarming. Most importantly, we want to make reading and learning fun – the books from Evan and Casey created a great opportunity for our kids to learn and have fun.”