The national award-winning Dive Into Reading program has successfully completed its fourth year, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nominated by the School District of Manatee County, Dive Into Reading received the annual Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award (CBRA) from the Florida Department of Education.

The Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards (CBRA) recognize Florida’s business leaders and partners that have shown the most commitment in bringing positive change and implementing bold, innovative approaches to improve the academic performance of students in Florida’s education system and communities. Along with the award, the School District of Manatee County received $5,000 from Florida Blue to continue building student-focused programs and enhancing relationships between Florida’s students and the business leaders in their communities.

Dive Into Reading is a summer reading program developed by Amanda and John Horne, owners of Anna Maria Oyster Bar, in 2017 which aims to improve children’s reading levels by combating “Summer Slide” and offering continuing education over the summer break.

“Children make up 100% of our future. If we want change, we need to teach our children to read and to be the best they can be. It's so awesome to see multi-generations together working to improve our community’s future. It will be very bright if we can help each child to read at grade-level now,” said John Horne.

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