The Reading Council recognized individuals who have made outstanding literacy contributions by presenting them with the LCRC Literacy Award at our annual banquet on Thursday, April 27, 2006.

Patricia Rouse – Reading Coach Belle View Middle School

 “Getting students excited about learning is one of Ms. Rouse’s assets.  She does the afternoon announcements at Belle Vue and makes sure that students leave school excited about what they have learned each day.  She also uses this time to encourage students to challenge themselves and read, read, read!”

                                                                                                        - Reginald Griffin

Grandpa Fred Hollis – Volunteer at Oak Ridge Elementary

“Fred Hollis, Sr. [is] a wonderful literacy mentor [in] my first grade class.  He has motivated them to enjoy literature through his reading with each child every day, during our center time.  He is 91 years old and gives each child the benefit of his wisdom and wit!  They have read numerous folktales together from the Waterford Early Literacy Program and have lively discussions about the characters and plots of the stories.  He also brings in special books that teach the children valuable life lessons.  The children are so proud of their ability to read the stories independently, showing how their hard work and focus pays off.  And Grandpa Hollis is so proud of them.  He calls them his “beautiful people” when they leave each day.  I am humbled to be in the presence of such wonderful relationships that go far beyond basic literacy… to what literacy provides…a world of values and experiences that we all share and can rejoice in.”

                                                                                                            -Sally Feehrer

Hal Pitts – Principal at Buck Lake Elementary

“Mr. Pitts has been the principal at Buck Lake for twelve years and during that time he has made many outstanding contributions to encourage reading and writing with our students, parents, faculty and staff. He is well respected by everyone in our Buck Lake community. Mr. Pitts is admired and revered throughout the county. He supports reading and writing at every level with the students at Buck Lake and also with the faculty and staff. He attends the book studies and learning communities in which the faculty and staff are involved. Mr. Pitts is dedicated to student learning and achievement and he is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that all students, teachers and staff have the necessary tools to be successful readers.                                      

                                                                                                         -Nancy Reddick

Noreen Beattie – Reading Teacher at FSU School

“Noreen Beattie is a teacher and mentor who has made significant contributions to the literacy program at Florida State University Schools. Her experiences as a Summer Reading Academy Developer have allowed implementation of reading intervention strategies as the first reading teacher at the middle school. Ms. Beattie is an individual who has made significant contributions to her school and profession in literacy education.”

                                                                                                            -Rodney Ryan

Congratulations to these outstanding literacy leaders! We appreciate your efforts and outstanding contributions to literacy education in Leon County.