During a recent Rotary meeting, attendees were introduced to the \"Rally to Read\" initiative, led by Tim Reardon, CEO of an organization dedicated to enhancing literacy across Minnesota. The program aims to elevate the state's reading levels to the highest in the nation while addressing disparities in literacy among children. A key focus is to ensure that children are exposed to reading by age three, laying a foundation for early learning.

The initiative emphasizes mobilizing community resources to support youth literacy. Monticello's superintendent shared insights on their collaboration with the organization, highlighting a three-pronged approach that includes distributing books to infants and young children, connecting families with local resources, and implementing strategies to ensure every student achieves age-appropriate reading readiness.

Additionally, the meeting featured a presentation from the U LEAD cohort for 2024, which included Ukrainian youth participating in a leadership development program. Their experiences included visits to local government operations, providing them with insights into democratic processes and community engagement.

Lastly, a high school tour was conducted for the 50th reunion of the graduating class of 1974, showcasing the ongoing connection between alumni and their educational roots.