The Johnstown Milliken Rotary Club, known for its commitment to literacy and education, has initiated a heartwarming tradition in the WELD RE-5J School District. Every year, members of the club personally distribute dictionaries, free of charge, to each third grader. This event isn't just about handing over a book; it's a symbolic gesture aimed at fostering a love for reading and learning from a young age.

Here's how it typically unfolds:

• Preparation: The Rotary Club, with its mission to support literacy, sources a batch of age-appropriate dictionaries. These are not just any dictionaries but are designed specifically for young readers to make learning new words an engaging experience.

• Distribution Day: On a designated day, which has become an eagerly awaited event in the school calendar, members of the Johnstown Milliken Rotary Club visit schools within the WELD RE-5J district. They come equipped with stacks of dictionaries, each one ready to find its new home.

• Personal Touch: What sets this initiative apart is the personal interaction. Instead of a bulk delivery to the school, each dictionary is handed directly to the students. This personal handover allows for a moment of connection where club members might share a few words about the importance of reading or simply express their hope that the dictionary will be a tool for discovery and education.

• Impact on Students: For many third graders, this dictionary might be the first book they call their own. It's not just an educational tool but a symbol of encouragement from the community. This act can ignite a spark for reading, which is crucial at an age when reading skills are developing rapidly.

• Community and Club Involvement: This initiative underscores the Rotary Club's broader commitment to the community's welfare. It's a hands-on example of how local clubs can make significant impacts on educational outcomes. The event often involves things like reading the longest word in the dictionary that is 47 letters long: Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, making the day memorable and fun.

• Long-term Benefits: Beyond the immediate joy and educational value, this gift aims at long-term benefits. Encouraging reading at a young age is linked with better academic performance, increased vocabulary, and even higher empathy levels as children explore different worlds through words.

This annual dictionary giveaway by the Johnstown Milliken Rotary Club is more than just an event; it's a community investment in its future, ensuring that each child has the tools to explore, learn, and succeed. This act of giving is a testament to the belief that education, especially literacy, is a cornerstone of personal development and societal progress.