Troy University’s College of Education has equipped a new group of Montgomery school children to be “Warriors for Reading,” thanks to the donation of more than 170 books to students at Valiant Cross Academy.
The donation, which took place Friday at Valiant Cross, followed a donation drive on the University’s Montgomery Campus that saw faculty, staff and students give new and slightly used books for the cause.
“The Warriors for Reading initiative was launched a little over six months ago and the intention of this is to promote the importance of reading,” said Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, dean of the College of Education. “Reading, I believe, has a direct connection to strengthening leadership and academic ability. As a College of Education, it is incumbent on us to express and communicate the power and importance of reading and this is one of the ways of doing that.”
Anthony Brock, head of school at Valiant Cross, said the book donation is the latest chapter in the school’s partnership with the University.
“Support like receiving these books from Troy University’s Montgomery Campus is huge for Valiant Cross Academy. Since we formed our relationship with TROY, they have always been there for us and this book donation solidifies our partnership and encourages reading and literacy among our scholars.”
Dr. Kanessa Doss, Montgomery Campus faculty member who organized the local initiative, said she was grateful for the support demonstrated by students, faculty and staff at the Montgomery Campus.
“We were able to collect more than 170 books from the faculty, staff and students at the Montgomery Campus,” Dr. Doss said. “The beauty of this is that we were able to see what people enjoy reading and some of the messages that they were sending to the students simply by making these donations.”
Friday’s donation was the latest effort of the Warriors for Reading initiative. Last month, representatives of the College of Education donated nearly 200 books to kindergarten, first- and second-grade students at Kelly Springs Elementary School in Dothan.
