Dr. Seuss said, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”  Students at Bradie Shrum Elementary Schools and East Washington Elementary have been transported to wonderful worlds without leaving their classroom through the Happily Ever After Project (HEAP).  HEAP is an initiative of the Washington County Youth Foundation.  The 2010-2011 officers of the Youth Foundation decided to address a complex issue that affects our entire community – early literacy.  Phase I of the project is currently operating.  High school and middle school students visit participating elementary classrooms on a regular basis to read to the students.  So far, students have visited a jungle to learn why Giraffes Can’t Dance (but try and succeed anyway) and have been whisked away to a fairytale land to hear the True Story of the Big Bad Wolf where they learned things aren’t always what they may seem.  One of the main goals of the HEAP program is to give a book to the students a few times throughout the year.  The Waters of Salem sponsored the first book giveaway to 500 students.  The December Secret was the perfect way to begin winter break and give students a fun adventure while sitting in the comfort of their homes.  “This book was good.  I couldn’t pick a favorite part.  I like getting books because it’s fun to read,” stated Reagan Wade-Swift.  Students can look forward to more exciting journeys when they return to school such as exploring the underground railroad and perhaps travelling to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. 

To learn more about the HEAP program, contact the Washington County Community Foundation at 812-883-7334.