Las Vegas NowCool at School: Racing Donkeys

Cool at School: Racing Donkeys

A rare donkey race at May Elementary School is the culmination of a lot of books being read.

Last year, after the students read 10,000 books, City Councilman Steve Ross let the kids dye his hair pink. A second challenge was made that day. If the kids read 35,000 books, the councilman and the principal would headline a donkey race.

The kids did their part and now leaders are doing their part. With the ceremonial reading of the 35,000th book, the deed was done and the race was on.

City Councilman, Steve Ross, says, "When a child can open a book up and go anywhere he or she wants to go in this entire universe and he or she learns and grows, these kids have that opportunity. If I can help them do that and motivate them, I am right there with them."

The councilman, a skilled cowboy, turned around and rode his burro backwards. It was Principal Mindy Martinez who strolled to victory. When asked what's in store for next year, she says, "I think we're going to have to think about that, because it's gonna be hard to top this."