La Habra : Students Discover Value of Words

Kevin Frenzel, 12, spent $3,600 Friday on a King’s hockey jersey, two Frisbees and a compact disc holder.

The sixth-grade Olita Elementary School student outbid his classmates during an auction in the cafeteria.

He had the most cash, although the money wasn’t real. It was fake $100 bills he had received for reading books throughout the school year.

Fifth- and sixth-grade students were encouraged to read for “cash,” and the auction was their reward.

“Reading is worth it,” Kevin said. “I had to get that jersey.”

Patty Jacobsen, a sixth-grade teacher who organized the auction, said the event generated enthusiasm for reading. “I’m hoping it’s made reading an enjoyment and the reward will become intrinsic,” she said.

Students bid on donated items including posters, squirt guns, costume jewelry, stuffed animals, an autographed football, a Jackson Five videotape and sports paraphernalia. Live rabbits and a mouse also were auctioned off.

Rachel Purcell, 11, got a pair of tickets to Disneyland. She sat on the edge of her seat with her paddle raised high in the air. The price of the tickets went from $500 to $2,400, but Rachel kept her hand up.

When auctioneer Ronald T. Randolph, Lowell Joint School District superintendent, yelled “Sold,” Rachel jumped up, screaming “Yes!”

Loud cheers sounded when the hot ticket items--the Kings jersey and a Lakers basketball T-shirt--were bought for about $2,000 each.

Catalina Lara, 12, bought a teddy bear for $1,000 and a digital clock for $1,700. “This is so cool,” she said.

Students received $100 for every 100 pages they read. They also were required to do a written or oral report on each book.

Kevin, who read 27 books, made the most money. “I like to read books anyway,” he said. “This just makes it more fun.”

Some students chose not to read any books. They said they regretted it.

“I just didn’t feel like doing the book reports,” said Alejandra Rodriguez, 11. “But now I wish I had. I would have liked to get the Jackson Five video.”

Fourth-graders were invited to watch the auction so that they will want to participate next year, Jacobsen said. “This is something that hopefully will serve as a motivational starter for these kids to read more.”

Justin McCollom, 10, said he was persuaded. “I’m looking forward to fifth grade, when I get to read for this,” he said.