Energy Express Community Coordinator Shaley Hughes, Mentors Tobi Adebulu, Kimi Sturm, Cassidy Wilson, Clay Burrows, and Thea Koskey, and Site Supervisor Abby Homan await guests outside Martin Elementary Thursday for the program’s Meet and Greet. The summer reading program runs from June 17 to July 26, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Energy Express, the summer reading and nutrition program offered through WVU Extension Services, kicked off its 30th year Thursday night at Martin Elementary as officials held a Meet and Greet for this year’s participants.

“I am super excited to kickstart this wonderful program for the summer,” Site Supervisor Abby Homan said. “It’s going to be a great experience for our kids and we have a lot of great ideas in regard to getting the community involved.”

Homan said the program’s purpose is to combat the “summer slide” kids experience in reading while students are out of school for the summer. She said the program uses print-rich environments where kids can read, write and create artwork. She said they also get a book each week to take home and keep.

The program matches students with volunteer mentors — local graduates Cassidy Wilson from Marietta High School, Parkersburg South High School graduates Tobi Adebulu, Kimi Sturm and Thea Koskey, and Ravenswood High School graduate Clay Burrows — and local community leaders for activities and daily read-alouds intended to make reading interesting and fun for students, motivating them to continue learning.

“We have members of the Parkersburg Fire Department coming Monday to read to the kids,” Homan said.

Energy Express Site Supervisor Abby Homan and Community Coordinator Shaley Hughes pose for a picture during the program’s Meet and Greet Thursday. This will be the summer reading program’s 30th year and run from June 17 to July 26. (Photo Provided)

She said they also provide students with two nutritious meals each day during the program, helping to ensure they are fed each day even after the school year comes to an end.

The program runs from June 17 to July 26, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Homan said they are still looking for local leaders to help with the daily read-alouds.

“We are always looking for volunteers and would love to have the community involved as much as possible,” She said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Homan at 304-917-2962 or Community Coordinator Shaley Hughes at 304-210-7728.