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Graduating student uses class project to give future students a literacy boost

A graduating R.D. Parker Collegiate student’s class project could have a lasting effect on future generations of students. McKenna Brown, who officially ended her high school career at the graduation ceremony in Thompson’s C.A.
R.D. Parker Collegiate graduate McKenna Brown, second from left, poses with Rachelle MacDonald, left
R.D. Parker Collegiate graduate McKenna Brown, second from left, poses with Rachelle MacDonald, left, and other Northern Regional Health Authority public health nurses holding canvas tote bags that will be used to distribute books to parents of young children through the Children’s Books in Children’s Hands program.

A graduating R.D. Parker Collegiate student’s class project could have a lasting effect on future generations of students.

McKenna Brown, who officially ended her high school career at the graduation ceremony in Thompson’s C.A. Nesbitt Arena June 26, used her global issues class project to work with the Northern Regional Health Authority public health department and the Burntwood Parent Child Coalition to secure a grant that will put books into the hands of parents of young children in hopes of establishing a solid literacy foundation for their children.

Brown received $2,000 from the Burntwood Parent Child Coalition after an interview with Jamie Steeves and put it towards books for public health nurses to give out to children receiving immunizations, along with a pamphlet about reading.

“I wanted to get books to young children so that they can start reading at a young age to increase their love for reading as well as entice them to read more as they grow older,” said Brown. 

She hopes this program will ensure more children are exposed to books and reading before they reach school age.

“Recently more and more kids [starting school] don’t even know how to hold a book,” said Brown.

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