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Miller and Myhrman were tasked
to organize a campus project as members of a student public policy forum
sponsored by the Maricopa County Community College District.
“A book drive was the first thing that came to mind
as we were looking for a project that would benefit the community,” Myhrman
said.
An avid reader herself, she said that it seemed
appropriate that a student-driven project should support literacy.
“Having exposure to books early on in life opens up
so many doors of opportunity,” Miller said. “We wanted to be able to collect
enough books, to expand what the school is already doing for children.”
They collected 521 books, 36 activity books and two
audio books to donate to the elementary school located just blocks away from
the college’s headquarters in Tempe.
According to Wendy Reeck, Holdeman principal, the
books will put to good use.
“The books will be used in the library and given
out as incentives to students for good citizenship and good behavior at our
Holdeman Huddles on Fridays,” she said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to
help us promote literacy in our community.”
The new and gently used books were collected in
book bins placed at RSC locations across the Valley. They were donated by
students, faculty, staff and members of the community.
“It’s wonderful to have these books to share with
our students,” said Donna Zegerson, librarian at Holdeman. “Kids need to have
books in their hands. There’s nothing like opening a book.”
Holdeman fifth grader Alejandra de Haro Felix was
excited to be one of the first students to receive one of the books.
“At first I didn’t like to read, but I got into one
book and finished it. It made me want to read more and more. I like to learn
about new stuff,” she said.
Originally Published in the April 6 edition of the Tempe Republic