Candice Cheshire, a library media assistant at Green Run High School, has been awarded a $2,000 ING Unsung Heroes grant for her program “READERZ”.

Cheshire is one of only 100 winners–and 1,300 applicants– nationwide to receive the grant money. The money will be used to bring her “READERZ” program to life.

The “READERZ” program consists of a small group of Green Run High School students visiting a local elementary school to read to children of various grade levels. The books chosen typically coincide with a unit the elementary school students are currently studying. After each book, the READERZ engage the elementary students in a learning activity that relates to the story.

Cheshire’s objective is to not only spread literacy but also a love of reading throughout the community. She hopes to expand the initiative by helping students build their own personal libraries by providing each student with at least one book of his own