(Left to right) April Paul, Valley View School Assistant Principal, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and VVES third grader Madelion Tsukas.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF) – The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation announced it is awarding 10 Tennessee children under age 10 with a $1,500 post-secondary education scholarship through its Tenn Under 10, powered by PNC, initiative. Campbell County Schools third grader, Madelion Tsukas, was selected as one of the 2024 Tenn Under 10 “Little Literacy Leaders.” GELF joined Valley View Elementary to celebrate this recognition.

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The foundation selects ten qualifying winners each year to become “Little Literacy Leader” ambassadors.

The program celebrates and incentivizes Tennessee’s youngest learners who have overcome challenges to their literacy development. Gov. Bill Lee introduced the 2024 class at GELF’s annual Literacy Alliance dinner.

Educators from across the state nominate a student for Tenn Under 10 by submitting an online application on the student’s behalf. The Tenn Under 10 “Little Literacy Leaders” are third grade students from communities across Tennessee who have faced and overcome an obstacle impeding their literacy development, such as lack of access to learning resources, low-income, transitional family environments, language barriers and visual impairments.

The final 10 honorees were selected based on criteria evaluating how they exhibit the four values of Tenn Under 10: tenaciously driven, eager to read, noticeably growing and being a nonstop learner. In addition to the post-secondary education scholarship, each honoree receives books and resources to support their reading journey as well as recognition as one of GELF’s “Little Literacy Leaders” in their local community. To celebrate locally, representatives from GELF and PNC Bank are visiting each child’s school this month.

Local third grader overcomes literacy obstacles, earns scholarship through Annual “Tenn Under 10, powered by PNC” Initiative Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation announces Madelion Tsukas, third grader at Valley View Elementary, as one of its 2024 Class of “Little Literacy Leaders,” ten third graders awarded with postsecondary education scholarships, based on their ability to overcome challenges as they learn to read.

“We are honored to work with PNC for Tenn Under 10 and announce the second class of Little Literacy Leaders,” said James Pond, GELF president. “Our mission to strengthen early literacy is more than books. It’s the future of Tennessee, and we are privileged to celebrate the next generation through the Tenn Under 10 initiative. Their stories inspire, motivate, and remind us how important it is to support Tennessee’s youngest learners on their journey from cradle to career, from a third grader to a future police officer, veterinarian, coach, artist, author or business leader.”

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students — particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds — have had to resort to substantial student loans to finance their education. Students with college savings are approximately six times more likely to pursue post-secondary education, three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate than those without any college savings.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission reports for the class of 2022, only 54.3% of high school graduates enrolled in post-secondary education upon graduation, a 15% decline since 2017. However, nearly 70% of high school graduates report that they want to attend college or a technical college.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy and Corporation for Enterprise Development reports that nearly 50 percent of those without a four-year degree report that they are not currently enrolled in college because it is unaffordable.

“PNC is a coast-to-coast bank, but uniquely committed to the communities we serve,” said Michael D. Johnson, PNC regional president for Tennessee. “Helping make certain our future leaders are well educated and prepared to succeed in and outside the classroom will strengthen the economic vitality of our communities, and position businesses of all sizes in our region to grow and remain competitive. Our collaboration with GELF and its Tenn. Under 10 program celebrates the success of our children across the state along with promoting access to rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Click here to meet the 2024 Tenn Under 10 literacy leaders.

“I believe this award is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication of not only Madelion, but her teachers as well,” said April Paul, Valley View Elementary Assistant Principal. “Our teachers strive each day to deliver high quality Tier 1 instruction and to foster a love of reading in their students. They give the gift of reading.”

“This award makes me feel proud of myself,” said Madelion Tsukas, member of the 2024 Tenn Under 10 Class. “Even though it may be hard sometimes, I can do it.”

This year, Leadership Tennessee has partnered with the Tenn Under 10 initiative. Leadership Tennessee Signature Program/LT Next alumni will have the opportunity to connect with a Tenn Under 10 awardee in their region, their family, and school, serving as a mentor for the student throughout their education journey.

“Leadership Tennessee’s new partnership with GELF embodies the essence of community empowerment, where mentorship transcends boundaries to nurture growth and uplift each student participant,” said Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid, II, President & CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “Together, mentors can help pave the path for brighter futures, fostering learning and support at every turn.”

Nomination applications open each fall. To learn more about Tenn. Under 10, presented by PNC Bank or donate to this cause, visit HERE.

About PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit HERE.

About GELF

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) equips Tennessee’s children with books and innovative literacy tools that encourage lifelong learning for a brighter future. GELF is a nonpartisan 501c3 driven by a mission to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee by acting as a thought leader, advisor, and catalyst for programs across the state. These programs include Birth-5 Book Delivery through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, K-3 Home Library, Caregiver Engagement, Book Buses, and Storybook Trails. For more information, visit HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/20/2024-6AM)

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