Willoughby Rotary Club Conducts Annual School Dictionary Program

Back-to-school means hundreds of dictionaries to be given to students again

Willoughby, OH – Continuing the tradition that the Willoughby Rotary Club initiated four years ago, Willoughby Rotarians will return to the classroom this Fall, as ambassadors of the English language. Along with a brief message on the importance of their education, dictionaries will be given to over 800 third grade students in the Willoughby Eastlake and Kirtland City School Districts. Schools participating in the program include approximately 40 third grade classrooms in seven W-E schools, one Kirtland public school, and four parochial elementary schools in the Willoughby Rotary Club’s area. Rotarians volunteer their time to deliver the dictionaries directly to the students.

John Nelson, the Willoughby Rotarian who originally suggested the dictionary program for the local Rotary District, says that even he is surprised how popular and appreciated the program has become.  “The students are always thrilled to receive their own personal ‘take home’ copy of this exciting learning tool,” Nelson says. “The classroom teachers and school administrators share this excitement for the emphasis the program gives to reading skills.”

Although originated by the Willoughby Rotary, the success of the Dictionary Program in their area has inspired other local Rotary clubs in the county to initiate similar programs in other Lake County school districts. Programs are already underway in Mentor and Painesville, and beginning soon in Wickliffe.

The dictionaries are purchased with funds raised by the Willoughby Rotary Club. The Willoughby Rotary Foundation raises money at their annual fundraiser, with this year’s 22^nd annual Willoughby Rotary Foundation's Charity Ball to be held at the Kirtland Country Club on October 13, 2007.

This year’s theme is “Dreams Come True”, and includes a drawing culminating a raffle for the winner’s choice of a new 2007 Corvette Coupe 1LT, with an MSRP of $44, 995.00, or $40,000 in cash. More information can be found and tickets can be purchased at willoughbyrotary.org. Tickets are also available from Willoughby Rotary members.

About the Willoughby Rotary Foundation
Since 1998, the Willoughby Rotary Foundation has contributed over $150,000 to Rotary International humanitarian programs and more than 30 Ohio charitable causes. Charities include the News Herald Clothe-a-Child, The Art Holloway and Christie Montrella Scholarships, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Lake County YMCA, the Salvation Army, local church food banks, and many more. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.