JustWorld Junior Ambassadors brought a contagious passion for horses, reading and writing to students at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade on March 9.
Ambassador Cora Greenstreet, 10, and her pony, Delta, wowed students with a riding demonstration while fellow Ambassador Tarin Kiely, 17, explained to students how Cora communicated with her pony.
The visit highlighted the literacy work JustWorld supports at Pioneer Park and nearby Pahokee Elementary School, Title 1 schools in Palm Beach County just 30 minutes from Wellington. Through a partnership with StoryBook Treasures, JustWorld provides five literacy kits per school year for each pre-K through third grade student. The kits include a book for students to keep, a related toy, and resources for teachers and parents, helping children build home libraries and a lifelong love of reading.
Pioneer Park has seen 80 percent of students making gains in literacy. Last year, the school showed the highest reading gains in the Glades Region.
“With many JustWorld ambassadors close in age to the students, the visit felt real and relatable,” said Denise Corbo, founder of StoryBook Treasures. “Watching one of the ambassadors ride was an incredible treat and showed the children that young people like them can accomplish amazing things.”
After the demonstration, students met Delta up close. Some were nervous at first, but quickly warmed up to the friendly 12-year-old pony, asking questions about how fast he can run, how high he can jump and when his birthday is.
Students then returned to their classrooms for a read-along of Chosen By A Pony, written by JustWorld Ambassador Gabi Caicedo.
Caicedo, 10, shared the inspiration behind her story, encouraging students to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. In addition to a copy of the book, each child also received a “golden nugget,” a sensory treasure from StoryBook Treasures designed to help them connect with the story.
“These treasures help children remember and connect to the story in a meaningful way,” Corbo said. “When you combine an author visit, a book for every child and a sensory treasure, reading becomes memorable and truly comes alive.”
Kindergarten and first-grade students received copies of Emily’s Dinosaurs Coloring Adventures, a coloring book created and donated by JustWorld Ambassador Emily Foster, 8.
“Seeing the kids so engaged and excited about the story reminded us why books and reading matter so much,” said Silvia Parra, Caicedo’s mother. “It was beautiful to see how a simple story can create connection, spark imagination and encourage kids to read more.”
Christy’s Bakery of Wellington added to the celebration by donating 400 sprinkle-covered cookies for students.
Experiences like this, Corbo said, stay with students long after the day ends. “At StoryBook Treasures, we’re grateful to JustWorld for helping bring inspiring books to these children,” she said. “Our hope is to continue expanding so we can bring the gift of reading to all children in the Glades area, while also helping them discover the exciting connection to the equestrian world that is so close to their community.”
