More than 40 percent of all third-graders in the Walton County School District are at least six months behind in reading on grade level, a statistic shared with most counties across the state.

Getting students to read on grade level is a nationwide issue and one of the cornerstone programs of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, a national non-profit charity founded 25 years ago by the former First Lady.

Now, the Foundation — thanks to a matching grant from the St. Joe Community Foundation — is bringing one of its best-known programs to Walton County schools this fall.

The 30A Company helped celebrate with a giveaway of four copies of Goodnight 30A, the company’s book for children, and four additional winners won a copy of a signed best-selling adult author’s book from the Barbara Bush Foundation’s own library.

The winners, selected earlier this week, are Jill Olivarez, Charlotte Fricke, Patsy Powell, Kristal Horton, Jenna Brabham, Angela Forbus, Kellie O’Shields and Krissa Hetletvedt. Congratulations!

The foundation’s program trains high school students to tutor third-graders who have fallen behind in reading. Research shows that a third-grader not reading on grade level is four times more likely to drop out of high school due to the learning comprehension deficit.

A school rally will be held this fall to celebrate the program’s launch, but the Foundation isn’t waiting to celebrate. Over the summer months, the Foundation will host a series of special events.

Since its inception in 2002, this particular reading program has served a total of more than 48,000 students. The program is a state effort with considerable donations from the private sector. The Walton County launch will mark the 93rd program site in 21 counties in Florida alone.

“The Barbara Bush Foundation has many friends in South Walton — some have homes here, while many are visitors who regularly enjoy family time on 30A’s beaches,” said Kelly Layman, who moved to Walton County full-time in 2014 and is heading up the partnership.

“Many people are very familiar with the powerful results of our literacy programs in other parts of the nation, so it is thrilling to bring our schools-based program here to Walton County.”

The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy, helping to make reading a core value in every home in America. The Foundation seeks to make sure children start school ready to excel and also helps parents in need improve their literacy skills.

For more info on Walton County events and to learn how to get involved, email Kelly Layman.