Volunteers for Literacy Inspire Students with “Class of ’35” Dictionary Presentations

This fall, Volunteers for Literacy/Habersham Co. (VFL) continued their annual tradition of bringing The Dictionary Project to local third graders—complete with an inspiring message, a lively rap, and plenty of smiles.

The Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County has partnered with The Dictionary Project since 2015, donating more than 5,520 dictionaries to local third graders. Their continued support helps promote literacy and a lifelong love of learning throughout the community.

At one of this year’s presentations, longtime VFL volunteer Helen O’Brien once again took the stage to perform her much-anticipated “Dictionary Rap.” Each year, Helen writes and performs a new version to remind students just how important words and reading are. This year, she teamed up with VFL Board Member, Judy Sneller, who helped craft the lyrics.

Adding to the excitement, a VFL volunteer dressed in a cap and gown spoke to the students about the importance of learning, staying in school, and graduating. Every third grader also received a special pen inscribed with their graduation year – 2035 – as a reminder to keep striving toward that goal.

The rap quickly became a crowd favorite, with the students joining in on the chorus:

Education helps us thrive

We’re the Class of ’35

Into learning we will dive

We’re the Class of ’35

Toward graduation we will strive

We’re the Class of ’35!

With diplomas we will arrive.

We’re the Class of ’35!

And give each other a big high five.

We’re the Class of ’35!

Through activities like these, Volunteers for Literacy continue to make learning exciting and memorable—encouraging students to take pride in their education and look forward to a bright future ahead.

Story and photos submitted by Phylecia Wilson.