Our students attend a rural public high school, which serves about 650 students. We are located in an area where the socioeconomic status of many residents is low. Many students have parents who are out of work. Our school relies heavily on state funding and this year, we are struggling due to the state not coming through with that funding. Programs and teachers are being cut and our students are feeling the brunt. Our students are creative and kind and they strive to reach their goals no matter what obstacles they face. They continue to achieve successfully despite more challenges and fewer resources. They forge ahead without complaints. Our school recently began a sustained silent reading program and book check out is soaring. Our library is a hub of activity and the students love coming here. Students who never thought they were interested in books and reading are finding their interest sparked by this program. I want to buy books that will turn our students' spark into a fire!