The top readers in the Troy Public Library’s Summer Reading Program were honored with a celebration party at Xtreme Athletics Tuesday evening.

The theme for the summer reading program was “Dig into Reading” but Teresa Colvin, TPL children’s librarian, said the party theme was simply, “Fun! Fun! Fun!”

“I guess you could say we are digging into foam,” Colvin said, laughing, as the young library patrons jumped and bounced in the foam pits at Xtreme Athletics. “We wanted the kids to play and have fun, enjoy a pizza party and be recognized for their accomplishments. We wanted them to feel important and special because they are.”

The TPL Summer Reading Program is open to ages four through 18 and, to be eligible for the awards, the young people must read books on their age level.

“We want to entice the kids to go ahead and reach for that high level of reading,” Colvin said. “By reading on their age level, they don’t lose their reading skills over the summer. And, also, the ones who deserve the reading awards the most, get them.”

Awards are given to the top three readers in the four and five age group and in the young adult group. First and second place awards are given in all other age groups.

In the four and five year age group, Abbie Roblee, took first place honors, Tyler Kaden Whatley, second, and Alaina Bateman, third.

“In this youngest age group, parents read to their children,” Colvin said. “It is very important for parents to read to their young children so that they develop a love of books and reading at an early age.”

Among the six-year-old readers, Brodee Asher took first place and Victor McVay was second.

Ava Leverett was the top reader among the age seven group and Kevin Wang took second place.

In the age eight group, Aaditya Dundigalla, won first place honors and Ciara Laird was second.

Kaley LeCroy won first place among the nine-year-old readers and Robert Grable took second place honors.

Jessica Wilcox took the first place award in the 10-year-old group and Irene Park was awarded second place.

Among the 11-year-old readers, Lydia McVay was the first-place award winner and Maddie Williams took second place honors.

Daniel J. Daniel was the top reader in the Young Adult division and was followed by Lamar Woody in second place and Stephen Mark Harper in third.

“The competition was stiff,” Colvin said.

“It was neck and neck and came down to the wire in most all of the age divisions.

William White, TPL director, congratulated the young readers on their accomplishments and encouraged them to keep reading.

“What you have accomplished speaks well of you and your parents,” he said. “We want to continue seeing you at the Troy Public Library.”