The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks completed their annual third grader’s dictionary distribution with a presentation to seventy (70) third graders at Cordillera Elementary school. Elks Dictionary Chairman Lane Keran praised the members who participated in the preparation and distributions of the books. “This year’s distribution of over 6,000 dictionaries. brings our twelve year total to over 60,000 dictionaries presented to the third graders in our area. We have stacks of binders full of the cutest thank you letters you have ever seen.
Cordillera third graders show off their dictionaries with Elk presenter Andy Costello and teacher Kim Pugh
More importantly, educators have said that the third grade is when children transition from learning to read – to reading to learn.” Elk member Andy Costello has participated in the local school presentations since its beginning in 2006 and said of the program. “These third graders are terrific. For many of them the dictionary is really the first book they ever had that they could call their very own. You can’t believe how excited they are when you hand them their dictionary. We’ve actually heard from some of those children we gave dictionaries to years ago who are in high school today, and a few in college, who have kept their dictionaries all those years.”
Wagon Wheel Elementary third graders with Elk presenter Hal Mattson & teacher
Cordillera Elementary School in Mission Viejo
The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 49 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 150-year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”. For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call 949 830-3557
Photo Credits: The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Membership & Marketing Committeeman
