Governor Launches Statewide Reading Challenge for K-5 Students
Governor Patrick Morrisey has launched the statewide West Virginia Dolly Days Read-A-thon challenge, encouraging K-5 students across the state to read 25 books between October 1 and December 31.
Bluefield Beckley Oak Hill, WV, September 25, 2026 —
Governor Patrick Morrisey has initiated a new statewide reading initiative aimed at young students. The program, dubbed the West Virginia Dolly Days Read-A-thon challenge, is designed to foster a love for reading among Kindergarten through 5th-grade students across West Virginia.
The core objective of this challenge is to encourage participation from K-5 students throughout the state. Participants are being asked to achieve a reading goal of 25 books. This reading period is set to commence on October 1 and will conclude on December 31. The timeline spans across the autumn months, providing students with a structured period to engage with literature.
Further details regarding the specific methodology for tracking book completion, potential incentives for students who meet the reading goal, or the origin and purpose of the “Dolly Days” aspect of the challenge were not immediately available. Information on how schools or parents can officially register students for the read-a-thon was also not provided in the initial announcement.
The challenge encourages students within the specified grade levels to actively select and read a variety of books. The focus is on creating a consistent reading habit during the designated period. As the challenge unfolds over the next few months, the state anticipates a surge in reading activity among its youngest learners.
Governor Morrisey’s office has presented this read-a-thon as a measure to promote literacy and academic engagement among elementary school students. The initiative aligns with broader educational goals that emphasize the importance of early reading skills for future academic success. The duration of the challenge, from early fall through the end of the year, offers a substantial window for students to meet and potentially exceed the target of 25 books.
Story summarized from the original created by Brandy Lawrence on woay.com, see more information here.
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