Lewis County Elks Dictionary Project

On May 3, 2022 the third grade class was presented with Webster's Dictionaries to keep them busy over the summer. The donation of 116 dictionaries were given by Lewis County Elks Lodge #2883. The dictionary project was founded in 1995 by Mary French of Charleston, South Carolina.

It's primary focus is to promote literacy to children in the third grade as they transition from learning how to read to identifying and using the information.

Over the course of the program, nearly 15 million 3rd grade students have received dictionaries. The Elks joined this movement in 2004. Nationwide they have donated more than 1.2 million dictionaries to third grade students and their teachers as sponsors of the Dictionary Project over the last six years.

There are over 600 lodges that actively participate in the program. Pictured, from left, Pam Skelton, Kellie McGee, Charlotte Runions and several happy students.