WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Members of the Rotary Club of Waynesboro visited elementary schools throughout the Waynesboro area on Friday, Oct. 16, for their annual book distribution.
“We do a lot in the vicinity of Waynesboro with a big concentration in education,” said Waynesboro Mayor Dade Royer, who also serves as the Rotary Club of Waynesboro’s book activity chair. “The club has delivered dictionaries to every third grader and a copy of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution to every fourth grader for many years.”
“The kids were excited and enthusiastic,” said Angie Allaire, one of 16 Rotary volunteers who delivered roughly 300 books for each grade to all four Waynesboro Area School District elementary schools and St. Andrews Catholic School. “Some were thrilled with the idea these were books they could take home or leave at school to use.”
“We especially wanted to do this today on National Dictionary Day, which is also Webster’s birthday,” said Royer.
Planning starts every year by contacting the school district and St. Andrews to get the number of students in each grade. After ordering dictionaries and arranging for declarations and constitutions, Royer contacts each school principal to set the time and date to make deliveries.
At Fairview Elementary, Principal Megan McGuire encouraged her students to use their dictionaries to find the word “gratitude” and put its definition into action by expressing appreciation to the Rotary Club.
Fourth graders explored the history and significance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution provided by State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin). Students showcased their knowledge of our country’s rich history with their discussion about history and questions about the three branches of government. In a meaningful connection to the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, the fourth graders expressed their gratitude to Rotarians who served in the military.
Every Rotary Club is a community service organization. By fostering literacy, promoting civic understanding and encouraging students, Rotarians invest in the next generation of informed, engaged and compassionate citizens who will carry the spirit of service forward for years to come.
