2026 Read Live School of the Year Awards

Wapakoneta, OH — (5-12-26) Read Naturally is thrilled to recognize Wapakoneta Middle Schoolas an honorable mention of the 2026 Read Live School of the Year Award!

This award honors schools for their effective implementation of Read Naturally’s Read Live program to achieve significant gains in student literacy. Celebrating these schools aims to unite communities around educational success.

Just over five years ago, Wapakoneta Middle School began working toward a district-wide commitment to improving reading outcomes for all students. As part of this effort, they expanded their use of Read Live during a school-wide resource period to help students develop fluency and comprehension skills. Over time, they further strengthened their implementation by incorporating the phonics tools, with staff working collaboratively to provide targeted support based on each student’s unique needs. 

​As a result, students have demonstrated measurable growth in reading ability, performance on NWEA MAP ELA and Oral Reading Fluency measures has steadily increased, and perhaps most notably, the number of students requiring intensive reading intervention has significantly decreased.

​Wapakoneta Middle School has found effective, sustainable success through its efforts over the past several years. They are a model of excellence in literacy instruction and a very deserving awardee of the Read Live School of the Year scholarship.

The Read Naturally School of the Year program

The Read Naturally School of the Year program celebrates schools who work hard to improve literacy outcomes using the Read Live program. Schools apply by submitting a short essay detailing their students’ progress, accompanied by relevant media such as videos, photos, and/or testimonials. 

𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲

  • Davis Elementary – Vernal, UT

𝗥𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀-𝘂𝗽

  • Nightingale Primary School – Maritime Trust academy – Woolwich, London
  • Balmoral School – Calgary, Alberta
  • People for People Charter School – Philadelphia, PA

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

  • Chickasaw Elementary School – Chickasaw, AL
  • Centerburg Elementary – Centerburg, OH (Centerburg Local Schools)
  • Lakewood Elementary Mandan – Mandan, ND
  • Lucy S. Herring Elementary School – Asheville, NC
  • Krystal School Of Science Math & Technology – Hesperia, CA
  • Northwood Elementary School – Kalamazoo, MI
  • Wapakoneta Middle School PTO – Wapakoneta, OH

The winning school is awarded a $2,000 gift certificate for Read Naturally materials and a $100 Amazon gift card for the nominating teacher. The runners-up are awarded a $500 gift certificate for Read Naturally materials and a $25 Amazon gift card for the nominating teacher. The honorable mentions are awarded a $100 gift certificate for Read Naturally materials and a $25 Amazon gift card for the nominating teacher.

Congratulations, Wapakoneta Middle School, on earning this award!

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About Read Naturally: 

Read Naturally’s research-based programs provide interventions and differentiated instruction for developing and struggling readers of all ages. Since its founding in 1991, Read Naturally has established itself as a pioneer in the industry and has developed a variety of programs targeting the essential components of reading instruction.