shine /SHīn/ 1. verb: to give off light “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” Francis Bacon, 1561 – 1626 “The soul can split the sky in two and let the face of God shine through.” Edna St. Vincent Millay, 1892 – 1950 2. verb: to be very talented or successful at an activity “There is some... Read More

ap·prov·al /əˈpro͞ovəl/, noun: the action of accepting something as satisfactory or granting permission to proceed; praise “Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of doing your best.” Andrew Carnegie, 1835 – 1919 “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” Vernon Howard, 1918 – 1992 “A man cannot be... Read More

verb: 1. to engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” Khalil Gibran, 1883 – 1931 2. to participate in a game or sport “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to... Read More

guard·i·an /ˈɡärdēən/, noun: one that watches or protects someone or something; a keeper, defender or protector “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” James Madison, 1751 – 1836 “A man’s character is his guardian divinity.” Heraclitus, 535 BCE – 475 BCE “A good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude.” Rainer Maria... Read More

ac·tion /ˈakSH(ə)n/, noun: the process of doing, typically to achieve an aim; something done “I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life, therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.” Napoleon Hill, 1883 – 1970 “Love is cheering and sharing and compassion... Read More

no·el /nōˈel/, noun: 1. capitalized : Christmas from Old French noel “the Christmas season,” variant of nael, from Latin natalis “birth” 2. a Christmas carol example: The first Noel the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,... Read More

a·chieve/ əˈCHēv/, verb: to reach or attain a goal or objective “A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.” Ayn Rand, 1905 – 1982 The mission of the Lee County Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP) is to utilize all resources available within a community and encourage local citizens to support a literate community. To achieve... Read More

joy /joi/, noun: a feeling of great happiness and delight “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.” John Keats, 1795 – 1821 “Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.” Pope Francis, 1936 – “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure,... Read More

The Dictionary Project works with countless sponsors across the county, from businesses to civic organization, from all walks of life, and all ages. It is especially exciting when we see younger individuals start a project to promote and encourage third grade students. One young man from the state of Florida, Matthew, decided he wanted to raise money and donate dictionaries to two local elementary... Read More