Reading is Leading

Reading is Leading was adopted as the permanent national Mortar Board project in 2002.

"The goal of Reading is Leading is simply to get people back into books by advocating reading. It gives us, as Mortar Board members, the chance to engage in leadership while performing an important service to the community within the framework of promoting knowledge."

The Laurels Chapter is very enthusiastic in its support of the national "Reading is Leading" project. Last year we were privileged to serve Portage County's First Book program. First Book is a national nonprofit organization devoted to giving children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own new books. In 2005, Laurels Chapter Mortar Board volunteers participated in Make a Difference Day. They read to children, dispersed books, and helped take pictures of children and parents with Clifford the Big Red Dog at a local event coordinated by First Book.

Throughout the year, an ongoing book drive supported the King-Kennedy library for underprivileged children in our local community. Mortar Board members were encouraged to bring at least one children's book to each meeting, project, and social event attended. During 2005-2006, 115 new and gently used books were collected and distributed to the King Kennedy Center and other outreach programs consistent with the National Project.

The induction of the new 2007-2008 chapter in March of 2007 brought a dynamic group of diverse new members, including Derrick Gallentine who shared with us the story of the Canton Arts Academy. This is a new school founded for children in grades 3-8 identified to be gifted in the performing arts. The school has only been open for two years and is proud to have a new library this year but sadly, little money to fund the purchase of books to place on its shelves. The Laurels were eager to lend a helping hand and immediately organized a book drive to benefit the school. Members not only brought in books themselves but also contacted local libraries and merchants. A local music store in Kent, Woodsy's Music donated over 50 titles directly relating to music and artistic performance. By our final meeting on May 3, 2007, the combined chapters had collected over 300 books for the Canton Arts Academy. Derrick (PTO President) delivered the books for us with barely enough room in his car to drive!

The new chapter has already begun planning its Reading is Leading project for next year. Marilyn Thompson has met with Rootstown Elementary schools to begin planning a reading/tutoring project to launch this coming fall.

Thank you to our National Mortar Board, Inc. for the information they graciously provided for this page.