Students at Simms School are engaging in a rigorous program known as the Pages for Power Reading Challenge, a school-wide competition that will end with a live bench press event scheduled for November 25th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Simms Gymnasium.
From November 1st to November 24th, students in grades 6 through 12 have been monitoring the number of pages they read during study hall sessions. Their totals will determine the weight and number of repetitions that Cascade County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andre Lugo will be required to lift before the entire school community.
“The students love Deputy Lugo, and when they found out their reading totals could determine how much weight he has to lift… they lit up,” stated Principal Luke McKinley. “They’re ready to push him to his limit.”
Deputy Lugo has expressed his readiness to meet the challenge presented by the students.
“I told the students if they read big, I’ll lift big,” Deputy Lugo replied. “If this challenge gets them reading more and shows them I’m here to support them, then load the bar. I’m ready.”
Reading targets have been established at 1,200 pages per grade level for middle school students and 2,200 pages for high school students. Surpassing these goals will result in an increase in both the weight and repetitions that Deputy Lugo will perform. Students will track their progress on a daily basis, with updates provided through hallway displays and classroom announcements to foster enthusiasm.
Sheriff Jesse Slaughter emphasized that this challenge reflects the positive engagement that his office seeks to promote.
“Deputy Lugo is doing this because he cares about these kids,” Slaughter stated in a press release. “If a bench press challenge gets them reading more and gives them a positive experience with law enforcement, we’re behind it 100 percent.”
Families and community members are encouraged to attend the Pages for Power Bench Press Assembly on November 25th at 1 pm at the Simms Gymnasium. Let’s show our support for these amazing kids as well as witness Deputy Lugo’s performance and dedication to the students of Simms.
By Karen Anderson: November 21, 2025 – Simms, Mt
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
