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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Sequoyah High School recently received a $1000 grant from Dollar General Corporation. The grant will be used for the "Read a Book, Get a Book Program."

The program is used to develop student interest in reading. When students read one book from the Sequoyah High School Library, they will be able to order a book of their choice to keep.

The program also takes into consideration students with auditory learning styles, by allowing students to listen to two books on tape, and then be able to order a book of their choice to keep. This grant included auditory books because teachers acknowledge that there is a definite link between reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Listening comprehension is one way to help improve reading comprehension among Native American students. Storytelling has always been a method of relating Native American history and transmitting cultural knowledge.

"All studies suggest that reading skills are a major contributor to student success", said Karen Mullican, SHS librarian. "So our goal is to increase student interest in reading through the use of both printed and auditory materials."

"We would really like to thank the Dollar General Corporations for its belief in the things we are trying to do at SHS", said Tony Pivec, SHS Superintendent.

At the end of the year, school administrators will compare reading test scores of those students who participate with those who do not participate to determine the effectiveness of the program.

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!"       Sequoyah High School, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.