The 5th Annual Rosemary Preston Gross Summer Reading Program has officially wrapped up for 2025, celebrating a successful season that saw local youth read more than 2,000 books across Jefferson County.
Hosted through the Jefferson County Library System, the summer reading initiative engaged students from the Watson Chapel, White Hall, Redfield, Altheimer, and Downtown Pine Bluff Main Library branches. The program aims to encourage a love for literacy while recognizing outstanding academic and personal achievement.
2025 Grade-Level Award Winners:
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K–2: Glenn Swain-Win
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3–5: Phoenix Walker
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6–8: Taylor Knight
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9–11: Jaquarius Kendall
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High School Graduate: James Ento
Each winner received a certificate and medal for their reading accomplishments, with the program culminating in the presentation of a $500 scholarship to a high school graduate who will be attending college in the fall.
Scholarship Honors for Scholar-Athlete James Ento
This year’s Rosemary Gross Summer Scholarship was awarded to James Ento, a recent graduate of Pine Bluff High School. Ento, a 4.2 GPA scholar-athlete, earned three varsity letters in both football and baseball and is set to begin his college journey at Hendrix College in Conway, where he will play football and possibly baseball in the spring.
“James is a strong Christian man. I wish him the very best as he starts his college career in the classroom and on the playing field,” said Jeff Gross, son of the late Rosemary Gross.
James Ento will be honored again this Sunday, August 3, at 10:30 a.m. during the morning service at 40th & Hazel Street Church of Christ. Family, friends, and teammates are encouraged to attend and show their support.
The summer reading program, named in honor of the late Rosemary Preston Gross, continues to serve as a testament to the power of education, community support, and the enduring impact of youth development initiatives in Pine Bluff.
