ST. PARIS – Graham Local Schools was awarded a Community Connectors grant with the United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties, Champaign Economic Development Corporation, Family & Children First Council, Urbana University and area ministries to support youth literacy education in the district and region.

The Ohio Department of Education awarded the grant to provide students with role models who can help motivate and inspire them, as well as help them develop skills that lead to success in school and the workplace.

“The Read, Imagine, Soar Program will impact Pre-K learners with free resources and educational opportunities, while also providing our K-5 students with mentoring and assistance to positively impact literacy achievement,” new Superintendent Kirk Koennecke said. “This grant, valued at over $87,000, will allow Graham and our partners to maximize every dollar we currently spend and receive state funds to support efforts to engage families in early literacy as the foundation for future success in school.”

The community partners demonstrated how the program would inspire hope in the lives of participating students and encourage social connectedness among partners.

“This could not have happened without the dedication and hard work of our area partners Kerry Pedraza, Dr. Lucas, Stacey Logwood, Don Burley and Marcia Bailey,” Koennecke said.

State Superintendent Lonny Riviera said, “Graham’s program stood out as one that will have a long-lasting impact on students, mentors and community.”