Assumption third graders get the word(s)

GALLOWAY – Third grade students at Assumption Regional Catholic School received some words they’d never heard before – and maybe some they knew, but just weren’t sure of the meanings. Members of the Absecon-Galloway Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to all the students Tuesday, Sept. 24. Rotary Club members Linda Eattock, Anne Thomas, John Brilla and Dave Waldman presented each third grader with his own dictionary. For many years Rotary Clubs across the nation have participated in the Dictionary Project. The Dictionary Project is a nonprofit organization that provides funds for the purchase of dictionaries to donate to third grade students. According to Eattock, vice president and branch manager at TD Bank in Galloway, the local Rotary began participating in 2003 by distributing dictionaries to classes in the Absecon school district. Once they began raising additional funds they grew in their efforts and expanded into Galloway schools and eventually private and charter schools. “This is the second year that students at Assumption Regional Catholic School have benefited from this great project,” Principal Mary Ellen Schurtz said. “To see the student’s faces and the excitement of knowing these books are theirs to keep and use is priceless. We commend the Rotary for their tremendous efforts.” The Absecon-Galloway Rotary Club and 38 additional clubs in Rotary District 7640 distribute more than 16,000 books each year. “We are happy to be able to provide these dictionaries to Assumption School as this project allows our group to continue our goal of literacy, community and vocational service” Eattock said.