Through the generosity of Amerigroup Texas, the Carson Scholars Fund (CSF) is pleased to announce the opening of the first Ben Carson Reading Room at Apache Elementary School in Fort Stockton this week.

The opening day ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m. at Apache Elementary School, located at 208 W. 18th St. in Fort Stockton.

The Ben Carson Reading Project, founded by retired, world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, is an initiative of the Carson Scholars Fund.

The purpose of the Ben Carson Reading Project is to create a literacy-enriched environment for children to become proficient and enthusiastic readers.

Karina Pacheco, Apache Elementary School principal said, “Apache Elementary is honored to have been selected by Amerigroup to receive a Ben Carson Reading Room. Our jungle-inspired room was created to help students further develop and nurture their love of reading. Our goal is for our students to continue to dream big and inspire them to make a difference in this world.”

Amerigroup Texas President Greg Thompson emphasized the impact reading can have on children’s lives.

“Amerigroup uses a comprehensive approach to addressing the whole health needs of individuals, and we recognize the profound impact that reading can have on children’s literacy, development and future health outcomes,” he said. “We are proud to align our supports with the efforts of Fort Stockton Independent School District, to bring the first Ben Carson Reading Room to Apache Elementary School, and we look forward to seeing the students flourish through reading.”

Ron Cline, FSISD Assistant Superintendent added, “Today more than ever, our kids need examples, safety, leaders, role models, inspiration, and hope. Ben Carson Reading Rooms do more than just put books in the hands of children, they inspire young people to soar to new heights, develop a love of reading, grow and soar to new levels of motivation and hope for the future.”

To date, 269 reading rooms have been established in 23 states with eight reading rooms serving students in Texas. To learn more about the Carson Scholars Fund visit www.carsonscholars.org.

About the CSF

The Carson Scholars Fund is a non-profit 501(c) (3) public charity founded in 1994 by retired, worldrenowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson and his wife, Candy. The CSF is dedicated to combating illiteracy and promoting leisure reading as a key to unlocking a child’s full potential.

About Amerigroup Texas

Amerigroup Texas helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than a million Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. For more information about Amerigroup Texas, visit www. myamerigroup.com/tx. To learn more about our work, visit https://blog.myamerigroup. com/workingin- texas, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.