A culmination of many months of work and volunteer hours ended in celebration April 22, as the Warren County Literacy Program held its annual bookcase presentation ceremony.Families gathered in the gymnasium at Warrior Ridge Elementary, as 57 children were presented with personalized, hand-crafted bookcases with their nameplates adorning the front.“I thought the event went super,” said Rich Lagemann, coordinator. “This is one of the highlights of my year, and it went very well.”Students were called up in small groups, many of them meeting the donors of their bookcases. Along with the case, each student received a bag of starter books.“What I enjoy most is the sponsors of the bookcases meeting the recipients and walking around to see what the sponsors wrote on the back of the bookcases,” said Lagemann.The number of bookcases distributed this year was actually the lowest in the seven-year history of the program. The committee had prepared 70 cases, anticipating 65 recipients but some changes will mean the remaining cases will provide even more opportunity next year.“This will allow us to contribute at a higher rate in the future,” said Lagemann.Also a part of the ceremony was the recognition of two individuals significant to the success of the bookcase project.Dr. Jill Schowe, who is retiring from her role at Warren County R-III assistant superintendent at the end of this school year was honored.“We recognize her for her years of experience within the community, and then these last three years she’s been on our literacy committee,” said Lagemann. “For a person who is as busy as she is, to take the time to be on this committee is special. We wanted to let her know how much we needed her.”Brad Busekrus was recognized for the tremendous amount of hours he has contributed to the project throughout the years.“Brad works very hard and is the only person who graces my shop as much as I do (to work on the bookcases),” said Lagemann. “Anything we need, Brad is there to help.”While some donate time and labor, others donate monetarily. This year the program had 77 sponsors, some of whom contribute to general funds. Larry and Shari DeGraaf were on hand to present multiple bookcases, as they are generous sponsors each year.“I just think it’s a foundation for kids learning, if they learn to read,” said Shari DeGraaf. “I just like seeing their smile when they get their bookcase and books.”Elijah Hogan was eager to take his bookcase home and display it in his room, taking ownership of his new prized possession.“This is a great program,” said his father, Justin Hogan. “He’s got some sensory processing issues, and this program has kind of helped him to break out of that a little bit. We have a full library at home, and he loves reading every night.”

Students receive new bookcases during the Warren County Literacy Program Bookcase Project ceremony held on April 22 at Warrior Ridge Elementary. Taking the student's picture is Program Director Rich Lagemann. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe

Brad Busekrus, right, was recognized as an outstanding volunteer during the Warren County Literacy Program Bookcase ceremony held on April 22 at Warrior Ridge Elementary. Pictured presenting the award is Program Director Rich Lagemann. 

Record photo/Derrick Forsythe