BIZ BUZZ

Daytona Lagoon gifts Volusia County Schools students with tickets for completing spring reading challenge

This is the first year that Daytona Lagoon partnered with Volusia County Schools to provide the prize incentives.

By Julie Dion, Daytona Lagoon
| 9:00 a.m. May 5, 2024

Desiree Rybinski, of Volusia County Schools, the Daytona Lagoon mascot, and Heather Norris, of Volusia County Schools. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

Volusia County Schools is rewarding 1,520 students who completed 600 minutes of reading during March with a Daytona Lagoon Waterpark general admission ticket, plus a companion pass. In addition, 350 students met a goal of 400 minutes to receive a $20 Fun Card.

The Spring Reading Challenge aimed to foster a love for reading among students while rewarding their dedication.

This is the first year that Daytona Lagoon partnered with Volusia County Schools to provide the prize incentives.

“Thank you all so much for supporting the students! I’m sure the increase in reading was due to having such awesome prizes," said Heather Norris, ELA K-12 coordinator for Volusia County Schools. "Some teachers were telling us how they couldn’t wait to get their minutes so they could enjoy the waterpark. One of our tutoring sites sent me a picture when a student reached her minutes and she was beaming."

This collaboration represents a substantial contribution to the community with more than 3,000 residents receiving free admission to Daytona Lagoon.

“We are thrilled to be able to entertain families that are in our backyards, and the reading incentive program not only helps children develop good reading habits, but it gives local families opportunities to visit us when they may not have had a chance to otherwise,” said Tyler Currie, general manager of Daytona Lagoon. “For any students who didn’t participate in the reading challenge, we also have money-saving incentives throughout the year that families can take advantage of."