A Read Across American Proclamation was signed by Mayor Tally McColl, City of Dillon, at Dillon Elementary School on Monday morning.
The City of Dillon proudly celebrates our schools, teachers, and community for their dedication to advancing literacy. This Read Across America is a nationwide initiative that highlights the importance of reading. Mayor McColl proclaims March 2—6 as Read Across America in the City of Dillon.
All of the schools and after school and other programs located in the City of Dillon were invited to come and be a part of this event.
Each of the schools represented today were given an opportunity to speak. Jan Powers-Penuel, Dillon Middle School Principal, spoke first about community school literacy. Dillon Elementary School offers reading for 5K—third grade Monday—Friday from 8:15—8:45. The school offers school intervention reading by students. The school also offers small group interventions. “We support the love of literacy. We have reading every day”, remarked Mrs. Powers-Penuel. She thanked the “Save The Children After School” programs.
Shannon Berry, Gordon Elementary School Principal, echoed the remarks of Mrs. Powers-Penuel. Berry also remarked about all of the reading that is done at Gordon Elementary. She also had a “shout out” for the after school programs.
Brent Hardy, Dillon Christian School Headmaster, informed everyone that Dillon Christian School was testing this week. The Christian School will participate in The Read Across America program next week. The school will highlight books. He also echoed the remarks made by the other two principals.
Ryan Rouse of the Anderson Brothers Bank spoke about reading to learn, explore new ideas, and much more.
Anderson Brothers Bank’s Ryan Rouse and Mitsy Lewis presented checks to each of the schools represented at the proclamation today.
The proclamation signed by Mayor McColl reads as follows:
CITY OF DILLON, SOUTH CAROLINA
PROCLAMATION
Read Across America Week March 2–6:
In honor of Read Across America, the City of Dillon proudly celebrates our schools, teachers, and community for their dedication to advancing literacy. This nationwide initiative highlights the importance of reading and fosters a lifelong love of books among children and adults alike.
WHEREAS, Read Across America encourages citizens of all ages to embrace reading as the foundation of lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dillon recognizes the vital role our schools and teachers play in inspiring a love of reading and equipping students with the skills necessary for academic success and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, literacy is strengthened through the shared efforts of families, educators, libraries, and community organizations working together to provide meaningful reading opportunities; and
WHEREAS, promoting literacy enriches our community, empowers our youth, and helps build a stronger and brighter future for the City of Dillon;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tally McColl, Mayor of the City of Dillon, do hereby proclaim March 2–6, as Read Across America Week in the City of Dillon, and encourage all residents to support literacy and participate in activities such as:
— Sharing the joy of reading with a child, family member, or friend; — Volunteering with local schools, libraries, and literacy programs; — Supporting community reading events, book fairs, and storytelling opportunities; and — Donating books and resources to help expand access to reading throughout our community.
Our schools remain the cornerstone of literacy development, and we proudly honor the teachers whose dedication inspires curiosity, opens doors of opportunity, and strengthens our community. We also recognize the families, volunteers, and organizations whose continued support helps ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Together, let us celebrate the power of reading and continue working to advance literacy for generations to come.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Dillon to be affixed this 2nd day of March, 2026.
Tally McColl Mayor, City of Dillon
PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON COUNTY NEWS, LLC
