Kiwanis Club of Tryon Inspires Literacy with Dictionary Gifts to Polk County Third Graders

In Polk County, North Carolina, the Kiwanis Club of Tryon continues to make a lasting impact on youth literacy by delivering dictionaries to every third grade student at the county’s four elementary schools. Over the past five years, the club has gifted nearly 700 dictionaries, helping students explore language, geography, history, and science through this comprehensive learning tool.

Linda Greensfelder, president of the Tryon Kiwanis Club, shared, “With a focus on the needs of children in our community, our Kiwanis Club is always looking to make a difference. When I helped deliver these resource books, I saw firsthand the thrill and appreciation from the kids. Many even wrote thank-you notes using new words they had just learned.”

Educators also praised the initiative. Melissa Gillespie, a teacher at Saluda Elementary, noted, “Our students were elated to receive their own personal dictionaries. They especially enjoy the ‘extra’ content like facts on U.S. presidents, states, and the solar system. Having their own copy makes learning how to use a dictionary much more meaningful.”

Chip Cash, a teacher at Sunny View Elementary, added, “The students keep their dictionaries in their desks and use them regularly for vocabulary lessons. They love the maps, science facts, and reference materials in the back—it really fuels their curiosity.”

By supporting The Dictionary Project, the Kiwanis Club of Tryon is not only promoting literacy, but also encouraging a deeper love of learning throughout Polk County.