Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-heuvelton, at Madrid-Waddington Central School District with District Superintendent Lynn Roy, elementary reading teacher Meghann Lyon and unidentified students.

Edwards-Knox, Hammond, Hermon-Dekalb, Heuvelton, Lisbon, Madrid-Waddington, Morristown and Ogdensburg school districts will benefit from $14,500 in state funding to support reading programs in school districts.

“When we enhance student reading skills, we improve their ability to learn, grow and imagine,” said Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton.

“Learning to read is the foundation of a student’s education, and I’m so pleased to provide this funding, which will help to expand learning opportunities for children across our region.”

“When you put a book in a child’s hands and provide them with the knowledge to read on their own, you open up a world of new possibilities for them,” said Madrid Waddington Central School District Superintendent Lynn Roy. “We cannot thank Sen. Ritchie enough for this funding and for her support of our efforts to improve the reading skills of students at a young age.”

Ritchie's 48th Senate District includes northern and western St. Lawrence County.