Sergio Troncoso Reading Challenge

To encourage children and young adults to read and to visit the branch library, author Sergio Troncoso has established the annual Troncoso Reading Prizes at the Sergio Troncoso Branch Library. Nurturing a love of reading is important for academic success, to find your voice inside and outside the classroom, and to gain confidence to become an active member of your community. These are the goals of the reading prizes. As a child growing up in Ysleta, Sergio Troncoso loved to read, and he wants to encourage others to empower themselves through reading. 

Eligibility: The reading prizes will be awarded only to students within the geographical area covered by the Sergio Troncoso Branch Library. The high schools include: Del Valle High School, Ysleta High School, Socorro High School, Faith Christian Academy High School, and Plato Academy High School. The middle schools include: Camino Real Middle School, Ysleta Middle School, Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School, Valley View Middle School, and Faith Christian Academy Middle School. The grade schools include: Lancaster Elementary School, Capistrano Elementary School, Le Barron Park Elementary School, Ysleta Elementary School, Mission Valley Elementary School, Alicia Chacon International School, Faith Christian Academy Elementary School, Maran-Ata Christian Academy, Our Lady of the Valley Elementary School, Presa Elementary School, H. D. Hilley Elementary School, and Hueco Elementary School. If a student attends a private or parochial school not listed above, then the student must provide proof that he or she resides within the eligible geographical area.

Two categories of prizes will be given each year: First, Second, and Third Place for students in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12thgrade in middle school/high school; First, Second, and Third Place for students in 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8thgrade in grade school/middle school. 

First Place will receive a $125.00 gift card, Second Place will receive a $100.00 gift card, and Third Place will receive a $75.00 gift card. All prizes will be gift cards from Barnes and Noble Booksellers. A total of six prizes will be awarded in the two categories every year.

Previous winners will not be considered for future prizes. The only exception is that a student who won the 5th-8thgrade category can later win the 9th-12thgrade category.

The prizes will be given to students who read the most books from September 15 to December3of each year. During this time period, students should read a minimum of 5 books. The students who read the most books will be the prizewinners. Each student should also pick a favorite book from the books read and write a short essay (100 word or less) on that book. Prizewinners will have their essays laminated and displayed next to their favorite book. Librarians at the Sergio Troncoso Branch Library will register readers during the eligible period of the prizes. The library staff will administer the prizes and make final decisions on all the prizewinners. 

If you have any questions or to register, please contact the library staff at the Sergio Troncoso Branch Library, 9321 Alameda Avenue, El Paso, Texas, 79907. Telephone: 915-212-0453.