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Revelstoke’s Champions for Literacy celebrated

The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is celebrating the fifth annual Revelstoke Community Literacy Award.
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The 2014 Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Champions.

By Tracey Spannier, Community literacy co-ordinator

The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is celebrating the fifth annual Revelstoke Community Literacy Award.

CBAL requested nominations to honour those in our community who have shown great commitment to literacy. Amongst the nominees are individuals and organizations that have shown innovation and creativity, who have inspired or motivated others to learn, supported literacy work and been strong community advocates for literacy.

Over the past four years, CBAL Revelstoke has honoured 19 champions. This year alone, we added 12 new Champions for Literacy!

The 2014 Champions for Literacy are:

— Sandy Adams is nominated for her tireless work with, and for, students who need assistance with all types of literacy at RSS.

— Marly McAstocker is nominated for her volunteer work with Okanagan College's Adult Literacy - Volunteer Tutor Program. She has worked diligently to support and build confidence in the adult learner she works with.

— Gabriella Daboczi is nominated for the initiative to tell stories from different cultures to young children, incorporated with an art activity and dramatization. The project is supported by Embrace BC.

— Pam Mair is nominated for her enthusiastic ability to get kids to want to read, and her creative ways to engage children in learning.

— Amber Thompson is nominated for introducing new and exciting ways for her students to take part in literacy activities through the daily five program.

— Elaine Baird is nominated for the exceptional role she plays in her ESL learner’s life, not only helping with English language learning, but also putting her heart into helping her learners succeed.

— The Revelstoke RCMP detachment and Const. Gary McLaughlin are nominated for being actively involved in Columbia Park Elementary school for several years through the ‘Read with Me and the RCMP’ program. McLaughlin was recognized for taking the lead and for his dedication to the program.

— Lorna Phelps is nominated for her dedication to literacy over the years as a kindergarten teacher, for piloting and advocating for community literacy programs and always being willing to share her expertise and enthusiasm. Lorna received three nominations for her dedication and countless hours of volunteer time.

— Ann Quinn and Sandra Davis are being nominated for being loyal, positive and encouraging One to One Tutors.

— The Taco Club and Mike Brown are nominated for creating a new opportunity that is making reading materials visible and accessible for Revelstoke citizens. The Taco Club sponsored the new and unique Revelstoke Street Library, located in front of the United Church near the community garden.

The 2014 Community Literacy Award winner was recently retired kindergarten teacher, Lorna Phelps. This year’s Champions for Literacy were recognized at an awards tea on October 21.

The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy and lifelong learning throughout the Columbia Basin and Boundary. For more information about CBAL in Revelstoke, visit www.cbal.org/revelstoke.html, or contact Tracy Spannier, Community Literacy co-ordinator at 250-805-2305.