Thank you Wallkill East Rotary for your gift of dictionaries – Pine Bush Central School District

Every year, since 2009, members of the Wallkill East Rotary visit all four elementary schools in the Pine Bush Central School District as a part of their Dictionary project, placing more than 7,600 dictionaries into the hands of every third-grade student. This annual tradition reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to literacy and to supporting the youth of our community.

During the visits, Dr. William Bassett—a Rotary member and former superintendent of Pine Bush schools—shares a special message with students. He explains that Rotary is a service organization dedicated to making a positive impact, particularly in the lives of young people. Providing dictionaries each year is one meaningful way Rotarians support education, especially at the third-grade level when students begin developing essential dictionary skills.

Dr. Bassett also gives the students a simple but powerful assignment: write your name inside your new dictionary, because it belongs to you. Then, look up the word service and decide which definition best reflects Rotary’s mission.

Superintendent Joseph Lenz expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Rotary’s dedication:

“The Wallkill East Rotary has been gifting dictionaries to our students since 2008. They have impacted the lives of more than 6,000 third-graders in our district. We often hear from students who still have their dictionaries years later. We are truly grateful to Dr. Bassett, who spearheads this project, and to the Rotary for all they do for our community.”

Each year, students show their gratitude in touching ways—through handwritten letters, colorful posters, and oversized thank-you cards created as a class.

We are deeply thankful to the Wallkill East Rotary for their continued generosity and their unwavering investment in the success of our students.

(Photos courtesy of the Rotary Club of Wallkill East and the Pine Bush Central School District)