South Carolina State University’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College recently led an initiative to promote literacy among young students in rural Orangeburg County. The joint effort saw several SC State offices and programs come together to provide books to students at Brookdale Elementary School, allowing them to begin building their libraries during HBCU Week.
“Collaboration is the main ingredient in the success of this worthwhile literacy effort to ensure that our youth are not only encouraged to read but also are provided books to start or add to their personal collections,” said Dr. William H. Whitaker, Jr., the Honors College’s dean. “Indeed, teamwork makes the dream work, and I am so proud of the university family for their contributions to the literacy campaign.”
Participating units in this initiative included the Miller F. Whittaker Library, the Office of Student Life & Leadership, the Department of Athletics, the SC State Cheerleaders, and the First-Year Experience team.
The book donations came from a well-known publishing company thanks to a partnership facilitated by Dr. Windy Stephenson, the Honors College’s director of academic and scholarship services, during her tenure in Pre-K-12 school administration.
Several Honors College students, along with library student workers, volunteered to sort and organize the books to ensure that each Brookdale student received reading materials tailored to their interests. Cathi Cooper Mack, assistant to the Whittaker Library’s dean and coordinator of collection organization, oversaw the distribution to the young scholars.
“Developing a culture of reading for our children and youth at an early age is critical in achieving literacy and establishing well-educated future generations of accomplished citizens,” Stephenson said.
Beyond The Books
The event was not just about literacy; it was also filled with school spirit and lively activities. Spike the Bulldog, SC State’s beloved mascot, along with the SC State cheerleaders, engaged with the young students, creating an atmosphere of excitement and fun. Additionally, members of the “Divine Nine” fraternities and sororities, the Student Government Association, and other campus organizations rallied the Brookdale Eagles in cheers, steps, strolls, and dancing, making the day a high-energy celebration.
Stephenson, a passionate advocate for literacy, shared her love for reading and encouraged students to embrace it wholeheartedly. Leading the Brookdale Eagles in an interactive chant, “The More I Read, The Better I Get,” she inspired the young scholars to take pride in their reading journey.
The First-Year Experience’s executive director, Dr. Lisa Sparks, assistant director Naseema Moore, and a group of SC State freshmen also participated in the event.