As has been tradition in the past for Byron-Bergen Elementary School students, the annual dictionary project event for third graders is sponsored by the Brockport Elks Lodge. On November 25, representatives from the Elks arrived bearing gifts – brand new dictionaries for every student. “We are honored to have the support of this great organization that does so much for our local community,” said Elementary School Principal Brian Meister. “Dictionaries are an important tool for kids this age, as they begin to explore the power of reading and expand their vocabularies. They really enjoy getting one of their very own.”
The grade-appropriate dictionaries were presented to 70 enthusiastic students by Elk representatives Dave Crowley, Jack Hall, and Glendale Terry, assisted by Carol Terry. Glendale Terry explained the importance of dictionaries, and drew the students’ attention to the extensive reference information included in the editions. Crowley earned some laughs from his audience by showing them the longest word in the English language, which took up a full page of the book.
The dictionary project is part of a national Elks program. It began in Byron-Bergen on the suggestion of Crowley’s late wife, Cindy, who taught art in the district for 40 years. “Hundreds of dictionaries are purchased locally and distributed to five schools in our community, including Byron-Bergen. The Brockport Elks Lodge has been supporting this project for over 15 years,” said Dave Crowley.
Provided photos
12/1/13
