A Letter To The Editor From Andrea Berstler Director, Wicomico Public Library

As the Director of the Wicomico Public Library, I want to invite you join me in applauding the work of the following individuals and organizations who received awards at the 2013 Friends of Wicomico Public Library’s Light of Literacy Awards breakfast, held April 11, 2013 at the Fountains in Salisbury, MD. These 11 award recipients are shining examples of the best and brightest of our community. Their work to promote the power of literacy to improve and transform lives should not only be recognized, but imitated.

Business Luminary– Dollar General for their work support literacy through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and the contributions of the local Dollar General Stores.

Local Author Luminary– Larry Points for his children's nature books about the Eastern Shore and his work visiting classrooms to promote reading and nature.

Adult Luminary– Judy Burns for her 20+ years as an ESL volunteer, holding twice a week classes, open to all, to encourage and promote English Language instruction.

Non-Profit Organization Luminary- The Salisbury Jaycees for their Yearly “Read Across America” program and their continuing work promoting reading through their Safe Treats and Christmas Shopping programs.

Higher Education Luminary– Dr. Elinor Cubbage who has been teaching English at Wor-Wic for 36 years and is responsible for initiating many writing and reading programs during that time.

Educator Luminary– Jane Long for promoting reading through her work with the Wicomico Middle School and the Family Literacy Council.

Youth Luminary- Cleon Deal, Roman Fuentes, Caleb Grall, Jock Simon, and Quincy Todd for their work through “Athletes as Readers & Leaders” at Parkside High School. These five young men travel to area primary schools to promote reading, character development and to provide strong male role models for the students in the area.
Wicomico Public Library joins County Executive Rick Pollitt, Mrs. Mitzi Perdue, Mrs. Lisa Bryant, the Friends of the Library and members of the local community in celebrating the positive impact made all 25 nominees for these awards. A list of all our nominees can be found at the awards website – www.lightofliteracy.org.