Students in Wa-Nee Community Schools Receive Dictionaries from the Rotary Club of Nappanee
he Rotary Club of Nappanee has participated in The Dictionary Project for five years, donating over 1,000 books to students in Wa-Nee Community Schools. This year, Dennis Martin, dictionary project chairman for the Rotary Club, presented the books to ten third grade classes. He opened the presentation by asking students if they knew anything about Rotary. Martin explained to each class that Rotary is a service club comprised of members devoted to bettering the lives of people in their community and beyond. Living up to that mission, Martin and members of the Nappanee Rotary Club have impacted the lives of over 250 children this year by giving them the gift of a personal dictionary. Martin noted that one principal was adamant about students receiving paperback dictionaries, even if they had iPads.
We at The Dictionary Project are asked on a daily basis whether or not paperback dictionaries are still relevant. It is important to remember that not every student, nor school, is alike. Some students do not have internet access at home; others might not even have a computer. By giving each student their own personal dictionary to take home and use for homework and classwork, sponsors are ensuring each student has an equal opportunity to learn and become a better reader and writer. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Nappanee for continuing the project and promoting education in their community!