Malvern School Kicks-Off Mrs. Bush's Story Time Contest

MALVERN, Pa., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It's been more than 20 years since Barbara Bush served as First Lady of the United States, yet her influence continues to inspire a whole new generation of children—especially young ones.

Last year, the Malvern School—a private pre-school with 20 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey—teamed up with Philadelphia's Children's Literacy Initiative to re-launch Mrs. Bush's popular 1990's radio show called, Mrs. Bush's Story Time, which aired nationwide on ABC Radio Networks.

More than 2,000 Malvern students participated in special Story Time events, which included an inspirational DVD message from Mrs. Bush, as well as personally autographed photos and books. The children listened to Mrs. Bush reading some of the most beloved children's books ever written, as well as learned what it means to be a First Lady, what happens in the White House, and the importance of reading in achieving success in school and in life. The program has been so successful that the Malvern School decided to continue it in 2011, and launch its first "Mrs. Bush Story Time Contest."

For the Malvern students, each child has to create their own special project which focuses on a lesson learned from their Story Time experience. The school will choose three, first prize winners who will receive free tuition for a month, and seven honorable mentions, who will take home a set of all the Story Time books read, as well a copy of Arthur Meets the President, autographed by Mrs. Bush.

Kristen M. Waterfield, president and COO of the Malvern School, believed it was also important to include non-Malvern School students as part of the Story Time program by adding an essay contest that is open to the public. "This has been such a wonderful experience for all of us, especially the children who simply adore Mrs. Bush," Waterfield said. "Literally, we now have a whole new generation of kids who are influenced by one of the most beloved First Ladies in history, and we wanted all children to get to know her the way we have. We can't thank her enough for giving our students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she added.

Waterfield said that children up to the age of seven can enter the essay contest. They need to write no more than 50 words explaining why reading is important to them, and how it has positively influenced their lives. One first place winner will receive a set of Mrs. Bush's Story Time books, and three honorable mentions will receive a photo of Mrs. Bush and a copy of Arthur Meets the President. All of the 14 winners will be invited to attend a special awards ceremony at the Malvern School in the Spring.

To enter the contest, send the 50 word essay, including the name of the child, email address and telephone number to: [email protected] no later than February 28. Winners will be notified on or before March 15.

"This has been a unique and exciting experience," said Diane Morgan, who oversees Malvern School's entire curriculum. "We have seen the student's literacy skills greatly improved because of the Mrs. Bush's Story Time events, and we look forward to continuing these special days for our children."

About The Malvern School: The Malvern School was founded in 1998 by Joseph A. Scandone and Kristen Waterfield; Scandone also founded the Goddard School. There are 20 Malvern private pre-schools in the tri-state area with 10 more planned over the next three years. The Malvern School is the premier early childhood education program in the region, having received the coveted National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC) accreditation for seven of its schools, signifying they have exceeded industry standards for early childhood education excellence. With more than 450 employees, and 2,000 students, The Malvern School's faculty is comprised of teachers who hold degrees only in early childhood education.

SOURCE The Malvern School