Adult & Family Literacy Grants

To Be Announced Soon

The IRC Adult and Family Literacy Committee will award up to $750 to local councils to develop and implement projects to help address adult literacy issues. Literacy projects that involve adults or adults with their children will be considered for funding.

Barack Obama Literacy Fund Award

Amy Orvis, Montessori School, Rockford
Christine Keller, Cahokia School, Cahokia

Presented at the Thursday Luncheon with Donna Ogle on March 15, 2012. 

This award was established from a $40,000 donation from Barack Obama. An endowment was established with the interest allocated to an annual literacy award given to create classroom libraries for African-American middle-school students to have access to “culturally relevant” books.

Hall of Fame Award

Roxanne Owens

Presented at the Friday Lincoln Banquet on March 16, 2012.

This award recognizes significant contributions to reading or reading education.  

Illinois Reading Educator of the Year Award

K-5:  Sarah Rabe
6-12:  Valerie Cawley
Reading Specialist:  Todd Hartman
College Instructor:  Linda Reven

Presented at the Friday Luncheon with Katie Wood Ray on March 16, 2012.

This award recognizes outstanding teachers who make contributions in promoting literacy among students, colleagues, and school communities. 

Legislator of the Year Award

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon
Representative Roger Eddy, 109th District

Presented at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions toward advocating literacy and education in Illinois.

Parents & Reading Award

Jeanette Brosam

Presented at the Thursday Luncheon with Patricia MacLachlan on March 15, 2012.

This award recognizes an IRC member who promotes and supports parent involvement in children’s reading.

Prairie State Award for Excellence in Writing for Children

Carolyn Crimi

Presented at the Thursday PSA Banquet with Meg Ormiston on March 15, 2012.

This award recognizes an Illinois children’s/young adult author whose body of work demonstrates excellence, engenders a love of literature, and promotes lifelong literacy.

Hall of Councils

1st Place – TBA
2nd Place – TBA
3rd Place – TBA

The Hall of Councils at the conference allows the councils an opportunity to advertise their activities and accomplishments and to promote membership with a display.

Static Stick Decal Design Contest

To Be Announced Soon