‘First a Reader, then a Leader’
In a recent meeting of the Rockwall Rotary Club, Mayor David Sweet presented Barbara Allan, Chairman of Rockwall Rotary Mentoring, with a proclamation declaring Jan. 26 “National Mentoring Day.”
The proclamation encouraged all citizens to applaud Rockwall Rotarians, the Rockwall ISD and community-wide mentors who graciously give of their time to help children become “First a Reader, Then a Leader.”
The Rockwall Rotary Literacy Program was inspired by Rotary President, Cindy Tayem, who, with Debbie Tudor, helped developed Rockwall’s “Reading and Relationship” program during her 1998-1999 term.
The program was originally created as partnership between Rotarians, the Rockwall ISD, and community volunteers to reach out to children of Howard Dobbs Elementary for the purpose of reading and relating to them.
Over the next seven years, it was replicated in three more schools: Rochell, Jones and Springer Elementary.
Under new leadership the name evolved to “Rockwall Rotary Mentoring,” expanding the program beyond reading to assisting in all subjects, in all grades district-wide.
Rockwall Rotary Mentoring averages 100 mentors per year and has been honored for excellence by Rotary Distict 5810, Rockwall County and the RISD.
Information and photos submitted by Barbara Allan.
Not present for photo: Barbara Jackson, coordinator for Springer Elementary School; Mike Atkin coordinator for Dobbs Elementary; Jean Abernathy, Upward Bound and Tom Ryan, Out and About.
Edited for publication by Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.
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Mayoral proclamation recognizes Rockwall Rotary Mentoring, names National Mentoring Day added by Editor on
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