Unfortunately this week there is nothing to report about summer options for the youth as I have not yet received responses from the multiple e-mails that have been sent. Yet, in submitting an article this week for The Anguillian, it was quite simple to find a topic suitable for this edition of Celebration of Youth.

Everyone knows that American Eagle is a tremendous corporate citizen, especially in Anguilla. Mrs. Millie Hodge, Area Manager of American Eagle, is an exceptionally kind woman who receives requests from many organizations constantly that are asking for assistance with travel. Yet, it is always clear in the media that when sponsorship is provided by American, it is constantly towards youth endeavors. It is no secret that Mrs. Hodge is also the Vice-President of the Anguilla Tennis Academy and she works tirelessly to see that the ATA is managed well so that the youth can benefit. Because of her relationship with the ATA, I am intimately aware that she gets many requests for assistance from youth organizations and only gives it to those who have shown commitment and success over the years. It is evident that American Eagle supports programmes that strive for excellence and have serious goals that tangibly make a difference in the lives of young people.

This week you will read about the Anguilla Day Inter-primary School Competition. Mrs. Hodge spoke about reading comprehension in her quote. All educators will agree that reading comprehension is the key to learning. The ability to read a text and adequately be able to answer questions about the text shows that comprehension has taken place. Therefore, children will then have the tools that equip them to learn on their own. Reading comprehension also improves aptitude. Aptitude of course is one’s ability to learn and this ability is constantly tested and evaluated. All of the college standardized entrance exams are not based on general knowledge alone but more so on aptitude. If a student has a keen ability to learn, colleges and universities will not hesitate to accept them because it is evident that although most young people do not have a breadth of knowledge, those with a high aptitude will become more intellectual much faster than others.

It is widely accepted in the world that those who read more have a higher aptitude and of course possess a broad intellectual foundation. A sure way to improve your child’s performance in school is to require that he or she reads at home. Yet, as a parent, you can also assist children by not only asking them to read, but to give you either oral or written reports on what they have read. Also, you can create questionnaires that they can answer as they read which helps to improve their attention span because they are looking for specific information embedded within text.

Reading comprehension is the key to success in one’s educational odyssey. American Eagle is to be commended for being an impeccable corporate citizen, but more importantly for sponsoring noteworthy events. Congratulations to all the children who participated in the Anguilla Day Competition and special thanks to Mrs. Millie Hodge who is a great community leader.

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