School library and students with highest participation in Millionaire Club receive more than 3,000 books

Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro and his wife, Maris, pose with prize winners after handing out books and prizes to students at Moreno ES for their participation in the Millionaire Club summer reading program, September 12, 2013.

Students at Moreno Elementary were treated to a special visit from Houston Astros player Jason Castro on September 11. Nearly 300 students not only got to visit with the major-league ball player but also received a bag of four books to add to their home library. Moreno ES had the district’s highest participation in the Millionaire Club summer-reading program. Castro not only congratulated the students but talked about his love of reading and why he and his wife Maris started Castro’s Kids, which encourages children to embrace literacy.

“Education has always been a big part my life, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” said Castro. “My wife and I want to be able to provide some of the resources we had growing up to the children in our new community. Houston is now our home, and we want to give back.”

Castro also awarded 25 lucky students complimentary tickets to this Sunday’s Astros game, as well as lunch, a t-shirt, and a special tour of Minute Maid Park. The couple has also lent their support to HISD’s Name that Book contest, which increases students’ interest in reading and introduces them to books in a variety of genres. They also held a book drive at the ballpark in June.