ALC KEA-AE Celebrates Read Across America Week with Book Donation at Letcher Elementary and Middle School

Members of Alice Lloyd College’s KEA-AE education organization visited Letcher Elementary and Middle School on Tuesday, March 3, to celebrate Read Across America Week and encourage students as they look toward their futures.

The group sponsored a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss for each member of the eighth-grade class. The gift served as both a celebration of literacy and the official kickoff to honoring the Class of 2026 as students begin their journey toward graduation. This partnership was made possible through Full Service Community School Jenkins/Letcher, strengthening the connection between the College and local schools.

Talon, ALC’s mascot, greeted students throughout the visit, while KEA-AE members read to kindergarten through third grade classrooms. The college students also partnered with GEAR UP Promise Zone representative Andrea Potter to meet with seventh and eighth graders, sharing what a typical day looks like as a college student, discussing Alice Lloyd’s education program, and walking through the admissions process.

Jenny Holland, school coordinator at Letcher Elementary and Middle School and an Alice Lloyd College alumna, expressed her appreciation for the visit. “We are so thankful for ALC’s KEA-AE students and the time they poured into our school,” Holland said. “When college students show up for our kids, it makes a lasting impact. Partnerships like this help us better serve our students and open their eyes to what’s possible. As an ALC graduate, it makes me incredibly proud to see them giving back in this way.”

For Emory Hazelwood, a freshman education major and KEA-AE member, the experience was a meaningful reminder of her future role as an educator. “Getting to read with the younger students and talk with the middle schoolers about becoming a teacher reminded me why I chose education,” Hazelwood said. “I remember being their age and looking up to college students. If we can help even one student believe they can go to college and follow their dreams, then it is worth it.”

Garrett Reynolds, president of KEA-AE, said the organization was honored to present the books. “The ALC KEA-AE is happy to present these books to the eighth-grade graduates of Letcher Elementary and Middle School,” Reynolds said. “We hope Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss will inspire these students to strive to learn all they can throughout their education and go wherever they want to go in life.”

Through service, mentorship, and partnerships, Alice Lloyd College continues to invest in students across the region and support pathways to higher education.

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