On November 14th & 15th, Phoenix Rotary 100 members Lisa Henning Beohm and Stacy Bos distributed 450 dictionaries to the 3rd graders attending school on the Apache Nation reservation - this worthwhile project fits into the Phoenix Rotary 100 pillars and the RI basic education and literacy areas of focus. This project was first started by the Sun City West Rotary Club several years ago and was transitioned to Phoenix Rotary 100 by Jim Dowler. As with so many other activities, the pandemic prevented the distribution of these dictionaries over the last two years. 2022 offered the opportunity to start things back up and Jim Dowler was ready to pass the baton over to project Chair Kathy Mitchell, who helped coordinate logistics and planning.
Over two days, Lisa and Stacy visited 10 schools throughout the White Mountain and San Carlos reservations, starting near Pinetop, AZ making their way south to the Globe area. With the help of the Wednesday evening Downtown Social Crew members of Phoenix Rotary 100, stickers were placed on the front inside cover of each dictionary highlighting the Rotary wheel and providing the ability for each child to write their name, personalizing their new dictionary. The schools ranged in size from 20 third graders up to 120!
Bulletin boards in schools highlighted the emphasis placed on the importance of reading. When visiting the classrooms, it was fun to engage the kids and ask if they liked to read, what their favorite books are, and see their enthusiasm for reading. We were able to experience the joy of gifting these books to the children who, in return, shared their excitement at receiving them. Reading - not just for school but for life! | 