The Dictionary Project

Did you know that the longest word in the English Language consists of 1,909 letters? It is an enzyme with 267 amino acids. The Goal of the Dictionary Project is to get dictionaries into the hands of every third grader, every year.
Today we delivered dictionaries to third graders in three schools. After a morning ride through Zion National Park, we visited the Orderville Elementary third grade. Then it was OFF ROAD past the Coral Pink Sand dunes, as we took the back way through the Cane Beds toward the twin cities, Colorado City/Hildale. We hand delivering dictionaries to the students at the Masada Charter school, and the students at El Capitan.


Each school had its own unique character, but they all had one thing in common--smiling, happy children with life's promise eagerly written upon their faces. Every kid beamed as he/she received his/her own personal dictionary, each with their name printed inside. Some hugged their books, some quickly thumbed through the dictionary's pages, hungry for the knowledge inside. As they waved goodbye, their heartfelt "Thank You!" made me glad inside that I am a Rotarian.Our early start left us hungry, so we jumped at the chance for the finest hand-crafted Pizza Bombs and premium ice cream to be found anywhere. Craigo's Pizza in Colorado City is worth the drive.

Thanks to Steve and Darrin for putting it all together. Darrin printed Rotary labels with each child's name for the inside of every dictionary. Joe, Naomi, Chantra and little Preston were great company and excellent help. As we drove home, we realized that there are additional students in Colorado City and St George that we can include, so more opportunities to help should be forthcoming.

President Paul Gooch