Duncan McDougall left the business world 18 years ago to start a nonprofit organization that, most fundamentally, gets kids excited about reading and writing. The Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) has since provided inspiring literacy presentations by authors, illustrators, poets, and others, and delivered more than $4 million in new books into the hands of 180,000 children in over 400 towns.
Laraway has been a beneficiary of a CLiF Year of the Book Grant during the past year. Our youth have benefited greatly from guest author visits and readings as well as book giveaways which send them home with brand-new books to read...and keep.
"Books can take you anywhere you want to go," McDougall said to an audience of Laraway students, staff, families and community friends gathered for graduation ceremonies. As folks sat under the blue sky, McDougall recounted his own childhood adventures plowing through titles including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; and The Hobbit, among others. He aptly pointed out to students---some of whom are challenged by reading---that listening to books on CD is also a great option.
Reflecting on his childhood reading, McDougall said, "These friends got me through the hard times. They opened me up to new worlds."
Duncan's engaging speech was an appropriate precursor to youth awards and issuing of diplomas.
Awards included Independent Reader, Homework Taskmaster, Conversationalist and Most Improved in the Session. One of our elementary students received the coveted Golden Pencil Award.
Laraway Board Chair David Bergh assisted School Director Julie Landry and Laraway Executive Director Greg Stefanski in presenting diplomas to our four graduates. The ceremony ended and all proceeded to the cafeteria for a wonderful meal of barbecued chicken, salad, corn on the cob and festive chocolate cupcakes. Let summer begin!
Duncan was an amazing speaker
ReplyDelete