Members of the Jefferson County Reading Council attended the Arkansas Literacy Association’s Leadership Institute at Harding University in Searcy recently.
The Diamond Award was presented to Susan Bitely and Dorothy Paulette for their efforts in leading the Jefferson County Reading Council.
The theme for the July 2025 Institute was “Rejuvenate-Enjoy-Authors-Dive-In! Celebrate Literacy,” according to a news release. The day was full of discussions, brainstorming and autographs.
The morning session was “Build a Stack of Books,” and the afternoon session was “Updates/Literacy Endeavors.”
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Arkansas authors who were recognized and in attendance included: Tonya Ashley, “Of Faith and Dreams”; Cindy Brown, “The Recruit”; Maria Hoskins, “It’s My Birthday”; Darcy Pattison, “Jeremy, the English Garden Snail”; Mark Rorie, “The Polk Bayou Kids and the Ghosts of West Elementary School”; Travis Simpson, “Strong Like You”; and Jordan Turbeville, “All Is Fair.”
Each author was given the opportunity to speak on their writings, approach and methods.
The writers spent an allotted time at each council’s table to discuss books and answer questions.
The afternoon session included rewards and recognition of the councils, state updates and announcements.