Bruce Elementary students cash in on reading skills with Walmart shopping spree

MACON, Ga. — Dozens of Bruce Elementary School students got an early Christmas gift.

One boy and one girl from each homeroom of the Bibb County School was recognized as a top reader and received a $100 shopping spree at Walmart on Zebulon Road on Monday morning.

A partnership between Bruce Elementary and The 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia made the shopping spree possible.

The “Reading Rewards Incentive,” combines literacy and financial education to celebrate student achievements while teaching essential life skills.

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A total of 36 students were rewarded.

“This initiative not only rewards students for their dedication to reading but also empowers them with financial knowledge that will benefit them for years to come,” said Keith Moffett, Vice President of Operations. “By combining literacy and financial education, we are investing in the next generation of informed and capable leaders.”

Jasmine Neal, the mother of a student who surpassed their reading goals, says this experience is a blessing.

“It’s amazing, I mean it’s a lot of kids out here not getting this,” said Neal. “It’s a blessing to experience things like this.”

According to organizers, the incentive allowed students to practice budgeting, smart spending, and decision-making in a real-world context. Before the shopping spree, they say students participated in age-appropriate financial literacy classes to learn essential money management skills.

The program is designed to align with Bruce Elementary’s mission to inspire excellence and personal growth in every student.