"Dream Come True"

Thank you for allowing me to share a success story from our HeadsUp! Reading program. One of our most beloved teachers, Mary has been a devoted member of our Happy Time Education Center for the past ten years. She is on staff in our infant room and well liked by other staff members, parents and children due to her loving and nurturing nature. Over the years, I have attempted to motivate and encourage her to pursue higher education. When all of my coaxing failed, I decided to leave her to develop at her own pace.

Mary and most of the rest of our staff participated in the HeadsUp! Reading program and armed themselves with the latest knowledge in early childhood literacy. It has engendered a positive environment for all our staff and now Mary has six college credit hours in her pursuit of a teaching degree. Her goal is now to become a qualified teacher.

Her future success and inspiration can be directly attributed to the program. I commend the diligent individuals and fundraisers who gave rural early childhood directors the means to make dreams, like Mary's, come true.