FEATURED READ FOR A CAUSE LITERACY CHAMPIONS

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Name: Larry Dempsey

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Title/Role: School Bus Driver, Olentangy Local School District

Larry Dempsey has been safely transporting kids to and from school for over 20 years. Every morning, he drives his route, slowly but surely loading up gaggles of over-hyped elementary school children. A consistent, calming force, Mr. Dempsey is always on-time and even-keeled. He also always takes the time to nod, smile, and wave, before moving on to the next stop. When asked what makes Mr. Dempsey a good bus driver, one of his riders answered, “He knows to keep us safe.” Another added, “Yeah, Mr. Dempsey doesn’t let people bully on the bus. And he’s really nice. Every time we walk off the bus he always says, ‘Buh bye!’”

It really is the little things that make a big difference… and bus drivers really are the quiet, unsung heroes who keep the gears of education moving.

Name: Indian Springs Elementary

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Part of the Columbus City School District, Indian Springs Elementary (ISE) serves K-5 students and families in the cleverly coined, “I.S.E.” way: Intelligent, Safe, and Empathetic. Over the years, administration, staff, parents, and students have bought into ISE’s core values, and it shows. ISE earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars on its last state report card, exceeding state standards. But as many in education will tell you: true success is about more than the numbers, the grades, the tests. It lies in the small acts of kindness, the culture of gratitude, and the sense of community.

“If I had to sum up Indian Springs in one word, it would be ‘Community,’” explained ISE Family Ambassador Laura Gregory. “Families really come together to support their kids and are genuinely invested in their learning. When you pair that with our incredible teachers, you get a place that feels like home.” ISE Principal Alissa Horstman agreed by adding, “When school and community come together to strengthen literacy in our students, everyone wins.”

Name: J.P. Mitchell

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Role: Educator, Author, Speaker and Coach

In all of her myriad roles, J.P. Mitchell uses her life experiences to encourage others to find, embrace, and share their fire within. Inspired by her daughter, J.P. wrote “Sweet Fire” as a way to connect with all of us--children and parents alike—to demonstrate the importance of being heard and seen, of appreciating all of our unique complexities, of resisting others’ narratives and stereotypes, and of believing in our inherent abilities to write our own stories.

“For all of these topics, I hope that this book will open the door to great conversations across generations. Conversation, telling our stories, intergenerational mentoring and guidance…, in our distracted times, some of these aspects of social connection are falling by the wayside. I want Sweet Fire to be a catalyst inviting us back into these dialogues. Remember: there is literally only one you on the entire planet. If you don't step into what it is that you uniquely feel compelled to bring to the world, we will not have it.”

Name: Adia Holmes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Occupation: Founder of P.I.V.O.T. Projects, Author, Facilitator, and Speaker

In all that she does, Adia Homes strives to bring awareness, ignite change, inspire growth, and dismantle injustice with the truth. Following a 16 year career within the child welfare, social services, and juvenile justice fields, Adia Holmes took a leap of faith and launched her own entrepreneurial venture, P.I.V.O.T. Projects, whose mission is to provide an honest outlet for education, training and consultation around bias, self-awareness and relational development, for the sole purpose of growth and productive change. 

“Life is experienced in the context of relationships, making relationships a unifying thread of the human experience. And yet, the challenges we face as it relates to bias and self-awareness tend to separate us most. I think we believe that comfort should precede action, and this just isn’t true. Growth is never comfortable and almost always scary but, sometimes we just have to do it afraid.”

Name: Warrior Family Books for NICU 

Founders: The Costanzo family

In May of 2020, Joe and Adrianna Costanzo welcomed a small yet mighty warrior into the world. Weighing less than 2 pounds at birth, the Costanzo family spent four months at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Tufts Medical Center, where they often spent time reading to their son as a way to bond with him. In October 2023, the Costanzos hosted their first book drive, and since that time, have donated over 1,000 books to the NICU at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Tufts Medical Center.

“Each time that we went to visit our son at the NICU, we would always read him a book. The doctors and nurses said that even though he was so tiny, our son could hear our voices and that by reading to him that was a way for all of us to bond. So, our families would send us books to read to our son so he could hear our voices. We wanted to help give this opportunity to the families that have a baby or babies in the NICU to bond together during a very difficult time.”

Name: Jason Eiche (aka j. eyekey)

Title: Associate Athletic Director of Corporate Partnership (by day); Author & Poet (by night)

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Jason Eiche spends his days negotiating corporate sponsorship opportunities with businessmen and his nights inspiring and empowering children through writing and poetry. What exactly inspired Jason to don his creative cape and start writing? One, his mother, an elementary school librarian, who raised him among the stacks.  And two, his personal struggle with sitting still and staying focused at a young age.

“For me, a young ADD-having kid that never wanted to sit still, the rhythm, rhyme and cadence of a book was very important. If I could move with the lyric, I was locked in. Some sweet and some silly would keep me engaged. As such, really I try to mirror that, as it was important in my childhood development. My heart has always been with the have not's and don't got's so I try to ensure I am producing work that every child can feel ... and believe they are included in the journey.”

Name: Lauren Heffelfinger

Title: Library Science and Character Education Teacher, Park Ave Elementary School

Location: Mt. Gilead, Ohio

Due to a tight budget and competing priorities, Park Ave Elementary School had not employed a full-time librarian in nearly 16 years. The school’s library was kept afloat by an ad hoc group of library aides and volunteers, but without adequate resources, support, and funding, the library struggled. Enter Lauren Heffelfinger—hired as the school’s Library Science and Character Education Teacher with a mission to rebuild the library and students’ love for literacy.

“When I started weeding through books, I realized the newest book was 15 years old. With the administration’s support, I started the process of updating the library and making it exciting and accessible for the children. I let the children make the first library book order. Students are interacting with all kinds of literature, non-fiction, and poetry in ways that they have not in the past, and I see their skills increasing exponentially in reading, writing, critical thinking, and creativity. They proved that they are as invested in the library as the school is.” 

Name: Reilly Hennessy

Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio

Title: Third Grade Teacher, Gorsuch West Elementary School

In just her third year of teaching, Reilly Hennessy has already made a long-lasting impact on her students, their confidence, and their love of literacy. With a little creativity and crowdfunding, Reilly has created a culture of excitement, generosity, kindness, and empowerment through various student-centered initiatives within her classroom--including one that puts free books in her students' hands each month.

“Each month Scholastic puts out $2 books. As the school year began, I reached out to my family and friends asking if anyone would like to donate a month to help each of my students get a book a month. The students love receiving these books and light up when the Scholastic Book Box appears. The best part is  seeing the excitement on the students’ faces and the constant, ‘I get to take this home?’ comments I get from many of them. Through this project, students are able to read a variety of books that they might not have been interested in before. They are eager to dive into the books each month, ask for extra reading time during class, and share how they are going to read at home.”

Name: Cindy Saunders 

Employer: Berne Union Elementary School

Nominator: Jolyn Pugh 

In her 19th year of teaching, Cindy Saunders continues to go above and beyond to ensure her students are supported and prepared for the future.  Whether it is undertaking personal fundraising efforts to provide her students with free books throughout the year, dropping off “learning buckets” to each of her students’ homes during the pandemic, or creating innovative ways to keep kids engaged during virtual learning sessions, Cindy Saunders always finds a way to put her students first and ensure they have the foundation to succeed in the future.  Fostering a life-long love for books, reading, and story-telling is one of the ways in which she does so.

“Books and stories are such a wonderful way to escape reality even just for a moment. They help kids to understand how the world works, how to interact with others and can really help students feel connected to something much bigger than just themselves.” 

Name: Kaitlin and Kevin Johnstone

Hometown: Upstate NY (Ellenville / Pine Bush)

Business: Kind Cotton

In 2017, the Johnstones launched Kind Cotton, an apparel brand aimed at promoting literacy and redefining kindness.  For every clothing item purchased, Kind Cotton donates a children’s book to a deserving child, classroom, or library.  To date, the Johnstones have donated over 42,000 books through their company.  Over the past few years, they have also started initiatives that recognize and reward hard-working teachers and amplify and applaud the voices of emerging authors. Moreover, Kind Cotton, through its apparel and its mission, works to redefine what it means to “be kind”:

“We want to be on the right side of history. We want to inspire others to redefine kindness and cultivate a meaning that is rooted in justice and grounded in action.  We know that the world is divided at this moment and we believe in using our voices and platform to bring about change all the while providing books to children along the way.”

 Name: Dr. Arianna Howard, MS, MED, PHD

Title: Founder & Principal Consultant, Plant-A-Seed Educational Consulting; Creator of Radical Learning Spaces

Hometown: Mansfield, Ohio

Dr. Arianna Howard, MS, MED, PHD, is the founder and principal consultant for Plant-A-Seed Educational Consulting and the creator of Radical Learning Spaces, the curricula from which she teaches. Born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio, Dr. Howard’s profession and practice is a culmination of her experiences as a sister, student, teacher, administrator, trauma coach, and black woman. Drawing on these personal, research-based, and trauma-informed experiences, Dr. Howard has taught, supported, and empowered hundreds of students and educators. And despite the resistance and negativity she sometimes faces, it is the promise of a better future that keeps her motivated. 

“Kids become adults who run the world. It is our responsibility to teach them to be compassionate, critical thinking humans who know to work, learn, and play together. And if we want others to change, we must believe in their capacity to do so.”

Name: Latasha Wilson-Batch

Hometown: Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Organization: Best of the Batch Foundation

Latasha Wilson-Batch is the Executive Director of the Best of the Batch Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based organization that serves nearly 4,000 children over 9 counties through a variety of outreach and educational programs. In her role, Latasha oversees the Foundation’s extensive afterschool programming for school-age youth, which includes mentoring and tutoring programs as well as initiatives like “Girl Talk,” which focuses on building self-esteem in young women. She also helps disseminate thousands of “Batch Packs” (STEAM kits provided to classroom teachers to promote hands-on learning for all students) and “Batch a Toys” (the foundation’s annual holiday toy drive, which serves over 180 local families). 

“I care about these kids. They’re always my priority. Sometimes, me answering the door is the difference between a good decision and a bad decision, or it might be the only hug that child gets all day, so it’s important. They’re more than just names. I know all of those little humans and their stories and families. It’s why I do what I do.”

Name: Cindy Hieber

Hometown: Sugar Grove, Ohio

Role: Library Assistant, Fairfield County

 District Library

Nominator: The Carpico Family

Cindy Hieber has spent her entire life surrounded by books. From earning a college degree in early childhood education, to working in bookstores, to spending the last 9 years as a Library Assistant, Cindy has promoted a love for literacy throughout her career. In her current role at the Fairfield County District Library, she has touched the hearts and minds of countless patrons through her dynamic story times. As Cindy's nominator explained: 

“Ms. Cindy was a big part of our youngest daughter’s love for reading. During Ms. Cindy’s story time they read books, played games, and Ms. Cindy showed how reading can be so much fun. I have no doubt Ms. Cindy was doing more than her job required. She truly put her heart into the stories, the play, but most of all our children.”

Name: The Read to Succeed Foundation

Founder: Emily Spector

Location: New Albany, Ohio

The Read to Succeed Foundation was founded in 2013 by Central Ohio resident Emily Spector (while she was still in high school!) with the mission of providing free books to underprivileged children, thereby helping them build confidence in their reading skills, succeed in school, and ultimately escape the cycle of poverty. The Foundation is built on a simple but powerful motto: “Together we make a difference.” And accordingly to founder Emily Spector, you are never too young to do just that.

“At age 12, I had both a passion for reading and a growing awareness of how many children do not develop literacy. . . . and decided to take the initiative to make a difference in literacy and addressing the cycle of poverty,” she explained. “Slowly and with great commitment we have able to become strong and very impactful with 120 locations and over 115,000 beautiful children’s books donated. . . . With passion and commitment anyone who wants to make a difference can start small and grow beyond their expectations.”

  Name: Jodi Ranegar

Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio

Jodi Ranegar is the Curriculum & Communications Director at Bloom-Carroll Local Schools, the creator of Literally Inspired (an online community for book lovers to share, review, and connect) and the founder of the inspiHER Girls Leadership Foundation, a program designed to inspire young women to dream big, believe in themselves, and to become confident leaders in their communities.

No matter which hat she wears, Jodi is always looking for an opportunity to lift and inspire others. A firm believer that “everyone has the potential to make a difference,” Jodi encourages those around her to let go of fear, live their dreams, and be the change.

“Sometimes we under-estimate the power of one act of kindness, one act of generosity, one smile, or one act of courage. . . . Big or small, the difference you can make in someone’s life can be life-changing to them and you may not even know it. . . . There is someone out there who needs you, depends on you, and whose life is better because of you.”

 Name: Brock Johnson

Hometown: Canal Winchester, Ohio

Despite being born with an unknown autoimmune disease, Brock Johnson changed the world with his infectious energy and smile. He excelled in sports and school and was an avid reader. Heartbreakingly, Brock passed away in 2015 at the age of 14 following complications resulting from a bone marrow transplant. The BrockStrong Foundation continues to keep his legacy alight, however, investing nearly one million dollars back in the community since Brock’s passing. From sponsoring little libraries and book fairs, to spreading random acts of kindness throughout the community, to sponsoring families with children undergoing care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and funding travel baseball scholarships… the BrockStrong team, led by Brock’s parents Terry and Kristi, work tirelessly to spread hope, love, gratitude, and kindness in the name of their son.

Brock’s motto, “Every day is a gift,” should serve as a reminder to us all. Today is indeed a gift. May we make it a good one, and do our best to light up the world, as Brock continues to do.

Name: S.E.E.D. N Hope

Founders: Candace Paulucci and Annette Dominguez

Mission: Serve. Educate. Empower. Dream. 

Founders Candace Paulucci and Annette Dominguez co-authored and self-published their book “How Mommy Found Her Way Home” in an effort to elevate the voices of the children of incarcerated parents and to empower those parents to maintain relationships with their loved ones while in prison. Drawing on their years of experience as clinicians specializing in therapeutic community groups in prisons across Ohio, Candace and Annette embody the motto “each one, teach one”: they strive to make a difference however they can and whenever they can, one person at a time. 

“It is important to create safe spaces for those impacted by incarceration in order to express and process their feelings. People in our communities are suffering in silence: they deserve to be heard and they deserve to be helped.”

  Name: Finnegan Miller

Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio 

What Makes Him a Literacy Champion: 

As a senior at Pickerington Central High School, Finn Miller runs cross country, volunteers as a homework helper and book buddy at his local library, participates in his school’s theater productions, and serves as one of the most beloved interns and docents at the Thurber House, a Central Ohio literary center whose mission is to celebrate the legacy of the late James Thurber. 

Despite his young age, his commitment to bringing out the best in others—especially in the literacy arena—seems wise beyond his years, as does his motivation for continuing to do what he does.  When asked why he feels compelled to help others, Miller provided a simple yet powerful response: “I believe if you put good into the world, good will come back to help you.”

Name: Dr. Mary Kathryn McVey

Title: Professor of Education at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Nominator: Tricia Saccoccia

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion: 

Over the past 23 years, Dr. McVey has served Fransciscan University of Steubenville as a Professor of Education, using her role to not only teach the next generation of educators, but also improve childhood literacy rates within her community. By partnering with local elementary school administrators, Dr. McVey and her students work individually with first grade students to ensure children have the tools they need to succeed in the areas of reading and literacy.

“Reading and literacy mentoring is important because it is the catalyst to living a satisfying life,” Dr. McVey explained. “If we can mentor our youth in becoming literate; learning to read by grade three, and reading to learn from grades three and beyond, we have made a significant contribution to each child’s life; thus serving humanity.”

Name: S.R.D. Harris

Nominator: Cia English 

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion: 

Ever since she was a child, S.R.D. Harris has had a passion for reading and writing. And as an adult, she is using her time, talent, and energy to instill that passion in others. Whether publishing books to inspire children to dream big, volunteering with literacy-based organizations, adopting elementary school classrooms, or sponsoring book drives, Harris’s heart does as her words encourage: read more, do good.

“I believe literacy is critically important for children of all ages to learn, grow, explore the world, and be exposed to different ideas,” Harris explained. “I believe all children can spark a love of reading if they connect with the right books for them. . . . [which is why] I am so inspired to continue to write and publish books that children can enjoy, relate to and be inspired by.”

Name: Cam Rascoe

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA 

What Makes Him a Literacy Champion: 

Cam Rascoe considers writing a blessing and a calling.   In 2010, Rascoe self-published his first book, which was quickly followed by another six over the next four years.  Over the years, Cam has used his pen and his voice to inspire, motivate, and help others.  Through these writings and  speaking engagements, Rascoe seeks to use his God-given abilities for good.

"Mentoring and motivational speaking are some of my most uplifting and rewarding activities. Sharing the knowledge and wisdom I've gained in this life comes freely. I keep it light and somewhat humorous or entertaining but I am very serious about how my message is received. Assisting the youth in finding success and joy in this life through encouragement and cheer warms my heart. It takes a village to raise a child and this is me doing my part."    

Name: Bia Hamed

Title: Program Director of Digital Divas & Digital Dudes at Eastern Michigan University

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion: 

As the Director of K-12 Outreach within the College of Engineering & Technology at EMU, Bia oversees Digital Divas and Digital Dudes, two innovative, progressive programs that encourage youth to pursue STEM education. Technological literacy is something Bia is passionate about, both personally and passionately, and something she believes every student should have access and exposure to.

“When there is a will there is a way, but you need to know things exist to be accessed. Navigating my way through college as a first-generation student was full of trials and tribulations, and I wasn’t aware of all the different majors available to me as a woman. My journey has inspired me to help others find their path to a better future by helping them navigate the college system and making sure they know their options.”

 Name: Matthew Tyla 

Hometown: Stow, Ohio / Fairfield Twp., Ohio

Nominator: Ann Swigart

What Makes Him a Literacy Champion:

As a former student-athlete at Bowling Green University and a certified English teacher, Matt Tyla has found a way to combine three of his favorite interests: football, literacy, and helping others.  At Fairfield Senior High School, Coach Tyla serves as Co-Director of the high school's FLEX Program and an Offensive Line Coach with the Varsity Football Team.  He also oversees the logistics of the Football Team’s Reading Program, which pairs Varsity athletes with elementary school students in an effort to promote literacy and foster a love for reading.  

Whether lessons about literacy, game time strategy, or paying it forward, one thing is clear: Coach Tyla is motivating an entire generation of readers, thinkers, and givers.        

 Name: Rachel McAnespie 

Hometown: Lancaster, Ohio

Title: Preschool Teacher, St. Mary's Preschool

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:        

In her 7th year as an educator, Rachel McAnespie describes teaching as something she was “just meant to do.” After seeing her with her students, there is little doubt about it: teaching is her calling.  But in Ms. Rachel's classroom, it's about more than teaching ABCs and 123s:  it’s about building foundations. 

"I’m passionate about being an educator, because I love to watch the kids learn and grow. With the age level that I am teaching, it is about so much more than learning how to count and memorize letters. They are learning all of their foundations for life and I love to be apart of that. The amount kids grow and mature in such a short period of time is amazing. To be able to help kids do that, is truly special." 

 Name: Corinne "Renee" Blackford

Hometown: Medina & Hilliard, Ohio

Nominator: CND Staff

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:        

Renee’s passion as a Certified Prevention Specialist for Community for New Direction is evident. Over the past 21 years, Renee has committed to exemplifying “intentional integrity” and building positive relationships with youth, families, and schools in Central Ohio.  To Renee, promoting literacy through CND’s in-school, after-school, and summer camp programs is important on a variety of levels: “Access to literacy enables people to keep up with current events, communicate effectively and understand world issues,” she explains.  “Improved access results in improved literacy rates that can help reduce poverty and crime, help prevent the spread of some diseases through gaining information, and enhance cultural diversity.”   

 Name: Betsey Hines

Hometown: Upper Arlington, Ohio

Nominator: HFF Staff

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:      

As a long-time volunteer reading mentor at the Homeless Families Foundation, Betsey Hines has built mutual relationships based on trust, value, and love with her mentees. But Betsey believes she has learned more from the children than they have learned from her. “[T]he real learning has been what [my mentees] have taught me in our weekly talks. I see what systemic racism is. I have seen why poverty and education by zip code can lead to a future of frustration with a world that does not treat all equally,” she explains.  That understanding has fueled Betsey’s commitment to be the change she wants to see in the world: “I will continue to volunteer, not for what I can do for others, but because of what doing for others has brought to my life.” 

 Name: Dr. Philip TK Daniel

Title: Professor Emeritus of Educational Administration, The Ohio State University

What Makes Dr. Daniel a Literacy Champion:    Mid-way through his 48th year of teaching,  Dr. Daniel has dedicated nearly half a century to educating the next generation of educators.  His commitment to his students and the pursuit of education reform has earned him countless accolades, including OSU's prestigious Distinguished Service Award and a spot within the College of Education and Human Ecology's Hall of Fame.  

But the true source of Dr. Daniel's motivation is not an award; it is the opportunity to effect meaningful change in his students and their work.  "The quality and understanding of good teachers will impact the quality and understanding of their students," he explained.  "Not just what they learn, but what they value." 

 Name: WAGS

Founder: Trudy Debolt

Location: Mt. Vernon, Ohio

What Makes WAGS a Literacy Champion: 

  WAGS (Working Dog Awareness Group) is an organization that is transforming students and shelter dogs one book at a time. Founded by Trudy Debolt, a 6th grade English teacher,  WAGS aims to honor the military dogs of the Vietnam War while helping shelter dogs become more adoptable. Every Saturday, WAGS students visit the Knox County Animal Shelter to read to its K9 residents. 

 WAGS fulfills its motto, “Keeping hope alive” by teaching students that through reading and spending time with a shelter animal, they save a life and foster hope for a better future.

 Name: Emily Kridel

Nominator: BBBS Staff

Camp Location: South Bloomingville, Ohio

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:  As the Education Director at Camp Oty'Okwa, Emily has shared her love for reading with countless campers, knowing that books can be a way for children to connect with themselves and others.  

"The three pillars of Camp Oty'Okwa are Esteem, Empathy, and Example. I think reading helps kids grow in all these areas; they can be empowered to access information for themselves, they can learn more about the experiences of others, and they can see examples of all kinds of people in books. . . .  I want to our campers, and all kids, learn to love reading because I know it will expand their world and improve their lives."

 Name: Noreen Rohda

Hometown: Powell, Ohio

Nominator: Kara Gray

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:  As a preschool interventionist specialist for the special needs preschool program with Olentangy Local Schools, Noreen's love for a good story is infectious.  As her nominator wrote, "You can see the joy of reading in her students faces every day."  For Noreen, childhood literacy sets children up for long-term success: "Encouraging young people to read is important to me because if they have a love for reading it will become a life long love. It will also make all the other subjects easier as they move through school."   

Name: Natalie Tannehill

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Nominator: Michele Whitmer

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion:  As a high school language arts teacher, Natalie balances a rigorous course schedule, teaching classes such as AP Language and Composition, Contemporary English, and Journalism. In Natalie's view, "encouraging young people to read helps them develop a view of the world beyond what they see and experience each day. Reading inspires imaginations, develops ideas, broadens our horizons, and creates an enthusiasm for life. As a teacher, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to connect young people with books, and to watch them develop what hopefully becomes a lifelong love of reading."  

Name: Sara Wolosiansky

Hometown: Green, Ohio

Nominator: Jillian Boone

What Makes Her a Literacy Champion: 

It was important that I honor my mom, Sara Wolosiansky, as Read for a Cause's first Literacy Champion.  From the time I could misspell words and draw stick figures, she has encouraged me to read, write, and create. And as a speech therapist, her hard work and generous heart at Community Speech Services has made an impact on thousands of children and adults. Finally, she never, ever, denies her grandchildren 'one more story!' despite exasperated it's-way-past-bedtime sighs from those grandchildren's parents.

Love you, Mom.