A Story of Progress: 11-Year-Old Becomes First Student to Log 100 Hours Ready to Pets

Why this story matters: This article cuts through the sensationalism to provide a clear, constructive look at a project that is actually working. It’s a reminder that behind every great achievement is a group of people who refused to give up.

Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to animals, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results.

Nehemiah Turner loves animals. The 11-year-old particularly likes dogs and knew that he wanted to spend more time with them. More than two years ago, his grandmother took him to the Jacksonville Humane Society to volunteer, and their lives changed forever. He’s the first student in the Pawsitive Reading program’s history to log 100 hours reading to pets.

“100 hours read here at the shelter is such an amazing accomplishment over two years. That’s some serious, serious dedication for a young person like Nehemiah,” CEO Lawrence Nicholas told Action News Jax.

Nehemiah Turner Takes His Volunteer Work Seriously

Nehemiah Turner told Action News Jax reading to the pets makes him feel good. “Soothing, feels good, calm, comforted animals, not like a whole bunch of barking is happening,” he explained.

Lawrence Nicholas said he loves the program because it keeps kids engaged and doesn’t rely on electronics to do it.

“This is a place where we can put the tablet and the electronics down, pick up a good old-fashioned book, and read to somebody who really wants to hear your voice. How can you beat that?” said Lawrence Nicholas, CEO.

Nehemiah is headed into sixth grade and is a straight A student. He plans to continue participating in the Pawsitive Reading program “What’s next? I think we got to set up a new hour. So, I think I set up like 110, 150, and 200 hours.”

This story’s featured image can be found here

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