​On Friday, February 8th, BP Oddo kicked off this year's "Readers Are Leaders" 4th grade reading challenge at a ceremony at P.S. 35. The Readers Are Leaders Program challenges 4th grade classes in Staten Island's schools to read a minimum of six books at or above grade level during the five-week period of February 18th through March 25th. One "exceptional" reader will be chosen from each school to be recognized at a ceremony in May. Since its inception in 1996, 4th graders have read more than 690,000 books for the annual challenge.
 
In addition, we have added a new component to the challenge this year. As a partner program and expansion of the successful Readers Are Leaders, Borough President Oddo also kicked off a new “Readers Are Leaders Jr.” program, challenging 1st graders to read “Mikey and the Dragons” by NYT bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, along with one book of their choice. This program will run concurrent to the fourth grade program.
 
At the kickoff, students from P.S. 35 got to see a magic show performed by our friend Magician Mike Lane. As an added bonus to the challenge, any student who reads Mike's book series, "The Magic Shop," and writes a book report about one of the books will be considered for a special prize.
 
Students who participate in the 1st grade “Readers Are Leaders Jr.” challenge will be required to read " Mikey and the Dragons " by Jocko Willink. The Borough President's office distributed over 1,500 copies to participating schools throughout the borough.
 
“While you guys are all reading your 6 books, I am going to do my part and read a little for me. I am blessed to work with people at Borough Hall who also love to read. We got together to think about how we could make this program even better. So we decided to expand ‘Readers Are Leaders’ to the 1st grade with a ‘Readers Are Leaders Jr.’,” said Borough President Oddo. 

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce the expansion of his reading initiatives for students in 2019. The Readers Are Leaders program is an institution in fourth grade classes on Staten Island, with over 110,000 students and more than half a million books later, it clearly has been a monumental success. This year’s additional reading initiatives will include more than just the fourth grade, in an effort to ignite the spark in this younger generation with the power and enjoyment of reading.

“At a time when children are beginning to learn the power of reading, my office is making an effort to do all we can to encourage and reinforce the notion that reading is an essential part of life,” said Borough President Oddo. “I’m thrilled to continue the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ tradition and hope these new initiatives encourage reading at all levels.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Readers Are Leaders program challenges fourth graders across the Island to read six books in five weeks. Staten Island author and magician Mike Lane joined the challenge three years ago with his book series, “The Magic Shop.” Along with reading the six books, students are offered a mini-challenge within Readers Are Leaders to read Lane’s four book series and write a book report. The winner of that challenge, chosen by Lane, will receive a free magic show for their school. The Readers Are Leaders challenge runs from February 18th to March 25th.

As a partner program and expansion of the successful Readers Are Leaders, Borough President Oddo will be challenging first graders with a new Readers Are Leaders Jr. program. This program will run concurrent to the fourth grade program. The first grade will be challenged to read “Mikey and the Dragons” by Jocko Willink, along with one book of their choice. 

The Borough President has incorporated Jocko Willink’s first children’s book series, “Way of the Warrior Kid,” into his reading initiatives for the past two years. This year, that effort will be expanded into the Summer Reading Challenge as an extension to the fourth grade Readers Are Leaders program. To keep students engaged during the summer months, students will be challenged to read both of the books in the “Way of the Warrior Kid” series. 
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Rounding out the new reading initiatives is a reading program for the second grade students. Staten Island second grade students will be challenged to read Nick Katsoris’ “Loukoumi’s Good Deeds,” from the “Loukomi” book series, about Loukoumi and the good deeds she does in her community. A discussion will take place in the classroom about what good deeds the students have done in response to reading this book, as well as take part in Make A Difference Day on October 26th.

On Thursday, September 27th, BP Oddo hosted a book signing and meet and greet event with authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, co-authors of The Dichotomy of Leadership and the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership, at Above Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn.
 
Willink also wrote the children’s books Way of the Warrior Kid and Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc’s Mission, which have been a part of BP Oddo’s “Readers Are Leaders” 4th Grade Reading Challenge since last year. This year, BP Oddo provided students with copies of both Warrior Kid books as part of the challenge.
 
This event was open to the public. Additionally, those students who read both Way of the Warrior Kid books were invited to the event. Willink and Babin addressed the crowd for a half hour before signing copies of their books. They fielded questions and discussed topics such as motivation and how they push themselves past difficult challenges to become better leaders.
 
“We so enjoyed having Jocko and Leif on Staten Island and seeing so many people of all ages come out to hear their important message of leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility,” said BP Oddo. “There is no problem facing us as a society that cannot be improved through genuine leadership. Fostering leaders and strengthening leadership by challenging people to look inward and work hard to improve themselves,  and in turn, us as a community,  is a critically important message and one that Jocko and Leif effectively deliver.  I hope Staten Islanders listen and continue to get after it!”
 
Over 300 people attended the book signing. Check out the video below of the event:

Borough President James Oddo will host a book signing and meet and greet with authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, authors of The Dichotomy of Leadership, on Thursday, September 27th. The event will take place at Above Ballroom (1100 South Avenue) at 6:30pm.

Willink and Babin are former Navy SEALs who served together during the battle of Ramadi. They are also the co-authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership. Additionally, Willink wrote Discipline Equals Freedom as well as the children’s books Way of the Warrior Kid and Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc’s Mission. Willink also hosts the popular “Jocko Podcast.”

Willink’s Warrior Kid books have been a part of BP Oddo’s “Readers Are Leaders” 4th Grade Reading Challenge since last year. As part of the challenge, BP Oddo provided students from across the borough with copies of the book. Students who read the book and wrote a report on it were invited to attend a special event with Willink, which took place last November. This year, BP Oddo provided students with copies of both Warrior Kid books as part of the challenge. Those students who read both books have been invited to the upcoming meet and greet event.

“There is no problem facing us a society that cannot be improved through genuine leadership. Fostering leaders and strengthening leadership by challenging people to look inward and work hard to improve themselves,  and in turn, us as a community,  is a critically important message and one that Jocko and Leif effectively deliver.  Their message underscores the principle I embrace of studenthood for life. We should never stop seeking ways to learn and grow. That is why I am so thrilled to be able to welcome Jocko back to Staten Island,” said BP Oddo. “We so enjoyed having Jocko here last year and can’t wait to have him return to meet even more Staten Islanders. Jocko and Leif’s message of leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility will make this a very special evening for people of all ages. I hope folks join us.”
 
Willink said, “This trip to Staten Island is a great opportunity for us to meet leaders face-to-face, discuss Extreme Ownership and the concepts in The Dichotomy of Leadership, and thank them all for stepping up and GETTING AFTER IT. We will see you there.”

“We are looking forward to being in Staten Island and meeting with inspired leaders about The Dichotomy of Leadership,” said Babin.

Books will be available for purchase at the meet and greet. The event is free and open to those of all ages, but those who wish to attend are asked to register here. 

On Tuesday, May 2nd, Borough President James S. Oddo presented awards to this year’s “Readers Are Leaders” Exceptional Readers at the Bernikow JCC.
 
“Readers are Leaders” challenged 4th grade classes in Staten Island’s public, parochial and private schools to read a minimum of six books at grade level or above during the five-week period of February 12th – March 19th. Students then submitted a report on their favorite book that they read during the period. This year, we added a new component to the challenge. Students who participated in the challenge were required to read “Way of the Warrior Kid” by Jocko Willink. Each school picked one Exceptional Reader, who received an award from the Borough President.
 
Since the program was started by then-Councilman Vito Fossella in 1996, 4th graders have read more than 660,000 books for the annual challenge.
 
BP Oddo was joined by author and magician Mike Lane, who performed a magic show and gave out awards to students who read books from his Magic Shop series.
 
“‘Readers Are Leaders’ has helped foster Staten Island children’s love of reading for more than 20 years, and I’m thrilled to continue the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ tradition,” noted BP Oddo. “You read for fun, you read to learn, you read to escape, you read to get better at certain things, and if you want to be a leader, you do well by reading and reading as much as you can. I want to congratulate all of this year’s participants and hope they continue reading and learning.”
 
“Readers Are Leaders” is sponsored by CTV, Barnes and Noble, and the Staten Island Yankees.
 
A full list of winners is below:
Anna Rams, PS 1  
Dominika Sikorjak, PS 3 
Nicholas Randazzo, PS 4 
Patricia Block-Sheehan, PS 8 
Aimy Kapllani, PS 11
Valeria Diaz, PS 19 
John Guastella, PS 23 
Amin Jahaj, PS 26
Asha Rivera, PS 29 
Lisa Trifaro, PS 30 
Naomi Navarria, PS 35 
Edina Durakovic, PS 38 
Crystal Calo, PS 42 
Sade Lind, PS 44 
Eden Tam, PS 48 
Hannah Cruz, PS 50 
Michael Kaganovich, PS 52 
Ella Norato, PS 56 
Javen Marque, PS 57
Jude Greene, PS 65 
Sophia Jin, PS 69 
Omari Onwe, PS 78  
Kayla Rizzo, PS 861 
June Ka, Gateway Academy 
Francesca Albanese, Holy Rosary  
Leila Crisano, Notre Dame 
Nico Puccio, Our Lady of Good Counsel 
Jonathan Jacknow, Our Lady Help of Christians 
Nicolette Mauriello, Our Lady Star of the Sea 
Isabella Jichetti, Sacred Heart 
Alyssa Badillo, St. Adalbert 
Dianna Spagnola, St. Ann
Isabella Mignano, St. Charles 
Emma Branca, St. Clare
Vladyslav Hrytsay, St. Dorothy Academy
Taylor Colella, St. John Villa Academy 
Andrew Lahage, St. Joseph Hill Academy
Thomas Moore, St. Joseph St Thomas   
Sonia Conti, St. Patrick
Rebekah Abraham, St. Rita
Kelly Hutchinson, St. Theresa
 
Magic Shop Readers
First Place: Ethan Stadler, Our Lady Star of the Sea
Second Place: Santina Corso, Our Lady Help of Christians
Third Place: Cameron Esposito, St. Charles, and Chazz Siewert, St. Clare
Honorable Mention: Alexa Hakanson, St. Charles, and Naomi Navarria, PS 35

On Tuesday, February 6th, BP Oddo kicked off this year's "Readers Are Leaders" 4th grade reading challenge at a ceremony at P.S. 1. The Readers Are Leaders Program challenges 4th grade classes in Staten Island's schools to read a minimum of six books at or above grade level during the five-week period of February 12th through March 19th. One "exceptional" reader will be chosen from each school to be recognized at a ceremony in May. Since its inception in 1996, 4th graders have read more than 660,000 books for the annual challenge.
 
At the kickoff, students from P.S. 1 showed off their ballroom dancing skills and got to see a magic show performed by our friend Magician Mike Lane. Any student who reads Mike's book series, "The Magic Shop," and writes a book report about one of the books will be considered for a special prize.
 
In addition, we have added a new component to the challenge this year. Students who participate in the challenge will be required to read "Way of the Warrior Kid" by Jocko Willink. The Borough President's office distributed over 2,200 copies to participating schools throughout the borough.

"We gave copies of 'The Way of the Warrior Kid' books to kids participating in this year's Readers Are Leaders Challenge because we believe in Jocko's message so much," noted BP Oddo at the kickoff.

Check out this special message from Jocko about the challenge:

On Thursday, November 2nd, BP Oddo hosted two events with leadership instructor, former Navy SEAL, and New York Times bestselling author Jocko Willink at the Petrides School.

The first event was the official recognition event for the children who participated in the Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge, and their families. The evening featured Willink talking to the students who read his book, The Way of the Warrior Kid, taking questions, and motivating the kids to be the best they can be. After Willink’s talk, the NYC Parks Department provided fitness activities for the kids.

The second event was a meet and greet event open to the public, where Willink addressed the crowd for an hour before signing copies of his books. Willink again fielded questions, and discussed topics, such as where he finds his motivation and how he pushes himself to be a leader.

“It was a thrill to observe how many people came out to see Jocko Willink,” said BP Oddo. “I am a fan of his motivational tactics and believe everybody can benefit from his inspirational words on discipline and personal responsibility.”

Over 600 people attended both events. 

Borough President James S. Oddo is pleased to announce that his postponed meet and greet event with Jocko Willink has been rescheduled. The leadership instructor, former Navy SEAL, and author of #1 New York Times bestselling book Extreme Ownership will meet Staten Islanders on Thursday, November 2nd at 8pm at The Petrides School (please note changed location).

The event, which was originally scheduled for today, was postponed due to the death of Commander Seth Stone, Willinks’s “brother” and best friend. Commander Seth Stone was a two time winner of the Silver Star, awarded for his heroic acts in Ramadi, Iraq in 2006. He was most recently assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific in Hawaii, a unit that receives Navy personnel from the Naval Special Warfare Command in San Diego. Commander Stone tragically died in a sky diving accident a couple of weeks ago.
 
“SEAL team members take their responsibilities to one another, in life and death, very seriously indeed. Jocko needed to step up to help Commander Stone’s family and was forced to cancel his appearance on Staten Island, scheduled for October 18. We mourned the loss of this hero and felt for our friend. We respected his continued loyalty and service to his team. We also knew at some time in the future, Jocko would in fact come to Staten Island, and our gathering would be even more poignant and profound. That time is now officially November 2nd,” noted BP Oddo.

Willink is also the author of kids’ book Way of the Warrior Kid, the chosen book for The Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge. Through the challenge, the Borough President’s office distributed nearly 1,300 copies of the book to 4th graders throughout the borough. Prior to the meet and greet, Willink will be speaking at the official recognition ceremony for the students who participated in the program.

Willink’s newest book, Discipline Equals Freedom, was recently released. This book discusses his strategies and tactics for becoming a stronger individual, both mentally and physically.

“I am really looking forward to meeting the folks out on Staten Island. There is a lot of negativity in the world right now—we see it on the news every day. But there are also a lot of people out there trying to make the world a better place. That’s what I see in this event and in this community of people. They want to take action to improve themselves, their neighborhood, their city, state, and the world. That is inspiring in its own right and I can’t wait to meet them all,” Willink said. 
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Books will be available for purchase at the meet and greet event. Admission is free, but RSVPs are requested due to limited seating capacity. You can find the link to sign up at https://www.statenislandusa.com/jocko.html.