Third-grade students at Skelly and Blackmore Elementary Schools received a special gift on Dec. 4, 2024: their very own dictionaries, courtesy of the local Rotary Club. The dictionaries are theirs to keep, and each one comes with a personalized label on the front cover where students can write their name.
This generous donation is part of an annual Rotary project aimed at giving students a valuable resource that can help them with their studies and encourage them to be lifelong learners. On Dec. 10, 2024, dictionaries will also be delivered to third-grade students at Grandview Elementary.
David Dillner, City Manager and President of the El Dorado Rotary Club, spoke to students about the dictionaries and their contents. "These dictionaries are tools for learning and exploring," Dillner said. "Inside, you'll find maps, pictures, a list of U.S. presidents, flags from different countries, and much more. But remember, you have to open it and read to discover all the knowledge inside—you can't just absorb it through osmosis."
Dillner also pointed out a special feature on the label of the dictionary: the Rotary Four-Way Test. This test is a guide to making decisions based on four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Students were encouraged to think about these questions when making choices in their lives and to use them to help make their community a better place.
The Rotary Club is also known for its commitment to fighting global issues, such as eradicating polio. Dillner told students that Rotary has worked for many years to eliminate polio from the world, and the dictionary includes information about the disease on page 547. "Rotary has helped provide funds for vaccinations, and we are close to wiping out polio completely," Dillner said. "Remember, everyone doing small things can make the world a better place."
The students seemed excited as they flipped through the pages of their new dictionaries, eager to explore their new books. For many, this marks the beginning of a journey to discover new words, facts, and knowledge that will help them succeed in school and beyond.
With each new dictionary, Rotary Club members hope to inspire a love of learning and a commitment to community service, teaching students that even the smallest actions can create positive change.
