The first annual Richard A. Reisig Memorial Read-A-Thon was recently completed at the Churchville-Chili Junior High School. Reisig was to enter the ninth grade at the school last fall when he was killed in a tragic motorbike accident. Although dyslexic, Reisig worked very hard to improve his reading skills and was to enter the Honors English and Honors Social Studies classes. To honor his memory, the Churchville-Chili Leo Club sponsored the Read-A-Thon over a six week period. "Reading for Richard" was presented for students to read books, short stories, and poetry outside of the classroom, have the total certified by an adult, and submit the total pages read to their English teacher.

On February 9, a dedication ceremony was held. A power point presentation was prepared by Nick Leone and George Fedigan as a tribute to their deceased classmate and friend. A musical tribute was given by Kathy Hartwig, Krista Hartwig and Alyssa Stryker.

The completed results of the Read-A-Thon were announced as a total of 354,553 pages read. The ninth grade class was awarded first place with a total of 150,923 pages.

The seventh and eighth grade classes each read over 100,000 pages. Over $1,200 in donations were made with the proceeds going to purchase new books for the school library, all in memory of Reisig. The top student reader was ninth grader Ashley Bezdany with a total of 5,468 pages. In a related raffle, Steve Lawson, Matt Miller and Michele Schauman were awarded gift certificates for Marketplace Mall.

After Reisig's family expressed their gratitude for the love and support shown for their son, refreshments were served. The Read-A-Thon idea was originated by Sue Slate, a teacher who then enlisted the Leo Club to make it happen. Following the dedication ceremony, the students held a dance which was jointly sponsored by the Leo Club and the Junior National Honor Society.