Submitted article

It is no secret that the ability to read is a key for success in life. The Bucyrus City Schools invests a great deal of resources to help students improve their reading abilities. Those resources have been increased thanks to the generosity of the Bucyrus Elks Lodge #156 through the donation of dictionaries to every fifth grade student in the district.

The donation is part of The Dictionary Project, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that seeks to assist all students to become good writers, active readers and creative thinkers by providing students a gift of their own personal dictionary. This organization receives active support from Elks Lodges around the United States.

“We are very grateful for this donation to our students,” Literacy Coach Deb Hoover said. “The generosity of the Bucyrus Elks Lodge has provided a much needed resource for many of our children now, and as they move through the upper grades.”

The Bucyrus Elks Lodge hopes to make this a yearly event in an effort to help each student prepare for middle school. Elks Lodge #156 Exalted Ruler Michael McBeth and Trustee Doug Schiefer made the presentation of dictionaries to students and staff at the Bucyrus Elementary School.

“Reading is essential to the growth of young students,” McBeth said. “This personal dictionary gives students access to information they can utilize to enhance their education. The youth of our nation is its greatest resource, and the Elks want to do our part here in the Bucyrus community to enhance their opportunities to achieve their dreams.”

This donation is just one of many made by Elks Lodge #156 to support the students of the Bucyrus City Schools in their academic pursuits, a fact that is not lost on the district’s administration.

“We greatly appreciate the support Elks Lodge #156 provides for our district,” Superintendent Kevin Kimmel said. “They are a tremendous asset to our community, and I want to personally thank them for all they do to help our students develop in all facets of their lives.”

Learn more about The Dictionary Project by visiting www.dictionaryproject.org. For questions about reading programs in the Bucyrus City Schools, contact Hoover at the Elementary School at 419-562-6089.