Student earns record-breaking 3,031 Accelerated Reader points!

Carter Bennett, fifth grade, has earned more than 3,000 Acelerated Reading points in just nine months!

For decades, the Accelerated Reader program at Meyersdale Area Elementary School has been inspiring and instilling a love of reading in students. Each year, a select group of particularly voracious readers are recognized for their efforts to earn more than 100 points. This year, the program would like to recognize the truly awe-inspiring efforts of one student who has shattered all school and program records — Carter Bennett! Carter, a fifth grader, earned 3,031 points in just one school (nine months) year!

Carter is the son of Amanda and Matthew Bennett. His love of reading began at an early age, fostered and encouraged by his parents.

“Carter has loved reading his entire life. He was always the kid that would crawl up on your lap and want to be read to,” Amanda Bennett explained. “This year, he really dove into Erin Hunter’s Warrior Cats series, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, to name a few. He really likes fantasy. I asked him what this achievement taught him and he said that even though it was hard at times, it wasn’t as hard as he thought it was going to be. He learned that as long as you work hard and stay focused, you can reach any goal. We are super proud of him and so excited that he earned this amazing achievement!”

Bennett said Carter was determined to break any records and did his own research to determine how many points he would need to earn. What makes this even more notable, is that for many students the window to earn points in 12 months rather than the nine months here at MAES.

“We had researched a little over the summer and saw the number to beat was 2,804.8. He instantly thought that was beatable. Carter is a very fast reader and also comprehends everything he reads,” Bennett explained. “I did the math and that averaged out to be just over 15 points per day, using our 180 school days. He is also a very busy kid and participates in a sport every season — baseball, basketball, football and wrestling. Carter is very self motivated but having a calendar with goals written really helped.”

Carter’s love of reading has also made him a true leader on the MAES Reading Teams. He helped lead his team to a fall 2024 championship title, followed by a first place title in the spring contest. Carter read EVERY book on the list for the two competitions for a total of 80 books!

MAES Media Specialist Stacy Kucenic said she is unaware of any student enrolled in the program throughout the country who has earned that many points in just nine months!

Mrs. Kucenic said Carter read 379 books, with an average of a 5.3 grade level. He has met and exceeded 100 points each year of his elementary career.

“Carter’s reading journey this year was nothing short of extraordinary. He didn’t just read a few books — he conquered every Reading Team book, immersed himself in the adventurous world of Percy Jackson, solved mysteries with the FunJungle series and ended his journey with the magic of Harry Potter,” she explained. “Carter’s achievement reflects incredible dedication, curiosity and a true love for stories. His passion for reading is inspiring and sets a great example for all!”