Many Hands, One Mission: Calvary Christian Opens New Reading Room

The ancient proverb, “many hands make light work”, was on full display at Calvary Christian School in Bellfontaine, Ohio as a group of dedicated volunteers worked to bring the Ben Carson Reading Room to fruition. Jennifer Wylie spearheaded the project. Mrs. Wylie is no stranger to the CSF’s literacy program. She spent most of her career in the Julian Union School District in Julian, California, and was part of the team who worked to create the reading rooms at Julian Elementary and Julian Junior High. She observed first-hand the profound effect a reading room can have on students and wanted the Calvary Christian scholars to have the same shared experience as the Julian students. After assembling a team of volunteers, consisting of staff, students, parents and community members, the team set out to create the reading room.

Since students from kindergarten through 12^th grade would be using the reading room, the group knew they had to be strategic in creating the space. The elementary area is filled with vibrant colors, cozy bean bag chairs and a rocking chair in the corner, where countless stories will be read to the emerging readers. The teen nook has the amenities one would find in a community coffeehouse, including overstuffed sofas and chairs and high-top counter stools. The focal point of this space is an electric fireplace which will be enjoyable to sit and read in front of during the cold Ohio winters. The teamwork and collaboration demonstrated by this group will make this reading room a valuable resource for many years to come.

Special thanks to the Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon Trust for providing financial support to make this room possible.