Supersized Success: Students Earn McDonald’s for Meeting Reading Goals

The only thing the Hamburglar tried to steal Thursday morning at Reyes Elementary was the spotlight, as super readers from four Canutillo ISD schools celebrated a year of page-turning success with McNuggets, fries and a lot of laughter.

Students from Canutillo Elementary, Damian Elementary, Davenport Elementary and Reyes Elementary were honored for completing at least one book a week as part of the regional literacy initiative. Their reward was a morning full of smiles, stories and surprises, including a free McNugget Meal with fries and a cookie, a raffle for brand-new bicycles and a special visit from the iconic McDonald’s character who brought plenty of laughter with his photo-ready mischief.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Jesica Arellano welcomed the students and praised their dedication to reading throughout the year. She thanked teachers, principals and families for supporting the effort and encouraged students to keep building their love of books.

“Reading opens doors to every part of learning,” Arellano said. “These students have shown what happens when you read consistently and with joy. We’re incredibly proud of all their hard work.”

The celebration also included McDonald’s owner and operator Richard Castro, a longtime partner of regional school districts, who congratulated the students for staying committed to the weekly challenge. Through the program, local McDonald’s restaurants also donated $1,000 to each participating school to support future literacy efforts, expand campus reading programs and purchase new books for students.

Castro said encouraging children to read is one of the most meaningful investments the community can make. 

KVIA-TV main anchor Maracel Clarke served as a special guest reader for the event. Clarke read aloud to the children, who listened eagerly while gathered around her on the cafeteria floor. She applauded the students’ efforts and encouraged them to continue discovering new stories, authors and interests as they grow.

The highlight for many students came near the end of the event when several bicycles were raffled off to some of the top readers across the participating campuses. Cheers and applause filled the room as winners were announced and posed proudly with their new bikes.

For most students, however, the true reward was being recognized for their commitment to reading every week. Throughout the year, students logged book after book to meet the program’s goal of at least one title each week, with many reading far beyond the requirement.

Teachers and principals from each school said the program helped build enthusiasm and motivation among students who looked forward to sharing what they had read each week. The incentive of the end-of-year celebration and the support provided by McDonald’s helped strengthen a positive reading culture across campuses.

As students finished their meals, the message of the event remained clear: reading can be rewarding, exciting and full of community support.

Canutillo ISD thanked McDonald’s, Richard Castro and all volunteers for helping create a memorable event that honored the District’s young readers and inspired them to continue turning the page.