Stephanie Timmons

“Literature serves many purposes: It can be an escape from the stresses of life, a vehicle through which one can imagine a better future for themselves, and certainly it can be a springboard for social discussion and change. When a student sees themselves in the literature they are reading, connections are made that much easier. Likewise, when students read about other cultures, their compassion, tolerance, and acceptance towards people different them is increased. My grant is intended to help ethnic minorities in our community feel more included in our local school system through the use of culturally diverse literature, which will be placed not only in our media center, but also in classrooms throughout the school. Additionally, supplies for low-income children will be made available so that they feel acceptance in the school setting.”