SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has launched his annual Summer Reading Program for students entering grades 1 through 4 in the upcoming school year. The theme for this year's program is "Get in the Game." Students from the 117th district who read eight or more books during the summer and complete registration forms will receive a free ticket for themselves and a parent or guardian to attend a Thrillville Thrillbillies baseball game. This event, known as "Night at the Ballpark," celebrates summer readers.

Rep. Windhorst expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating, "My summer reading club is a great chance for students to keep reading throughout their summer break, keep their reading skills sharp, and earn a ticket to watch a baseball game with me and their fellow summer readers." He added that he is excited to collaborate with State Rep. Paul Jacobs to host participants at Mountain Dew Stadium as recognition for their efforts.

Participants who meet the reading goal will be awarded an official Illinois House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition along with two tickets—one for themselves and one for an accompanying adult—to attend the special event in July 2025 at Mountain Dew Park in Marion.

To participate, completed forms must be sent to State Representative Patrick Windhorst's office at 2 N. Vine Street, Suite 5A, Harrisburg, IL, or emailed to [email protected]. An online submission option is also available on repwindhorst.com/rep-windhorsts-summer-reading-club. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 3, 2025.