Kids Inspire Kids on JustWorld Trip to Pioneer Park

JustWorld Junior Ambassadors brought a contagious passion for horses, reading, and writing to students at Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade, Florida, March 9.

Ambassador Cora Greenstreet, 10, and her pony, Delta, wowed students with a riding demonstration while fellow Ambassador Tarin Kiely, 17, explained how Cora communicated with her pony to students.

“It was so much fun. Delta loved it and so did I!” Cora said.

JustWorld International Ambassadors gathered at Pioneer Park Elementary School to share a love of reading, writing and horses.

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The visit highlighted the literacy work JustWorld supports at Pioneer Park and nearby Pahokee Elementary, Title 1 schools in Palm Beach County just 30 minutes from Wellington. Through a partnership with StoryBook Treasures, JustWorld provides five literacy kits per school year for each pre-K through third grade student. The kits include a book for students to keep, a related toy, and resources for teachers and parents, helping children build home libraries and a lifelong love of reading. 

Pioneer Park has seen 80% of students making gains in literacy, with reading proficiency increasing from 23.9% to 47.9%. Last year, the school showed the highest reading gains in the Glades Region. 

“With many JustWorld ambassadors close in age to the students, the visit felt real and relatable,” said Denise Corbo, founder of StoryBook Treasures. “Watching one of the ambassadors ride was an incredible treat and showed the children that young people like them can accomplish amazing things.”

After the demonstration, students met Delta up close. Some were nervous at first, Cora said, but quickly warmed up to the friendly 12-year-old pony, asking questions about how fast he can run, how high he can jump and when his birthday is.

Students then returned to their classrooms for a read-along of Chosen By A Pony, written by JustWorld Ambassador Gabi Caicedo.

Gabi Caicedo presents her book, Chosen By A Pony.

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Caicedo, 10, shared the inspiration behind her story, encouraging students to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, remembering that every pony and every person deserves kindness and a second chance. In addition to a copy of the book, each child also received a “golden nugget,” a sensory treasure from StoryBook Treasures designed to help them connect with the story.

Tatum Anderson and Pioneer Park students enjoy a book together.

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“These treasures help children remember and connect to the story in a meaningful way,” Corbo said. “When you combine an author visit, a book for every child, and a sensory treasure, reading becomes memorable and truly comes alive.”

Kindergarten and first-grade students received copies of Emily’s Dinosaurs Coloring Adventures, a coloring book created and donated by JustWorld Ambassador Emily Foster, 8.

Emily Foster (center) shows the coloring book she created, alongside JustWorld International Executive Director Elena Corsano (left) and StoryBook Treasures Founder Denise Corbo.

SHANELL FOSTER PHOTO

Shanell Foster, Emily’s mother, said visiting Pioneer Park was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and compassion. “Seeing the children engage so thoughtfully—and being able to inspire curiosity and a love for learning with other Ambassadors through equestrian sports—was especially meaningful for our family,” she said.

Pioneer Park elementary students have lots of questions about horses!

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Cora, who said she’s met new friends through her work with JustWorld, added that the experience benefited the ambassadors as much as the Pioneer Park students.

“Seeing the kids so engaged and excited about the story reminded us why books and reading matter so much,” said Silvia Parra, Gabi’s mother. “It was beautiful to see how a simple story can create connection, spark imagination, and encourage kids to read more.”

Christy’s Bakery of Wellington added to the celebration by donating 400 sprinkle-covered cookies for students.

Corbo said experiences like this stay with students long after the day ends.

“At StoryBook Treasures, we’re grateful to JustWorld for helping bring inspiring books to these children,” she said. “Our hope is to continue expanding so we can bring the gift of reading to all children in the Glades area, while also helping them discover the exciting connection to the equestrian world that is so close to their community.”