How to nominate a literacy leader
Do you know an individual, organization, business, or community making a meaningful
difference in literacy across Wyoming? The Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award recognizes
those whose leadership, service, and commitment have expanded literacy opportunities
and enriched the lives of learners throughout our state. Named in honor of former
First Lady Carol Mead, the award celebrates those who carry forward her legacy by
advancing literacy through impactful, innovative, research-informed, and sustainable
efforts.
The Literacy Research Center and Clinic (LRCC) is proud to present this award once
again and invites nominations from across Wyoming. We encourage you to recognize the
literacy champions in your community whose work deserves to be celebrated. Click below
to learn more about the award, review the nomination guidelines, and submit a nomination.
Meet previous award winners
Below, you will find information about those who have been awarded in the past.
Melanie Hornbeck
Jennifer Hayward
Susan Bednasek of Wheatland, founder and director of the Platte County Early Literacy Project (PCELP), is the recipient of the 2021 Carol Mead Leaders in Literacy Award. The PCELP provides every family whose child is born in Platte County with a basket that includes early literacy resources, a “Read to Me” onesie, and their first book. The child will receive another book at six months in addition to a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEAM) toy and book at each birthday until they are three. These gifts are delivered in-person by Bednesek. Bednasek received $4,000 to continue the work of the PCELP and was nominated by Tracy DeRyk, principal at Platte County School District #1’s (PCSD#1) Peak High School.
Shelley Hamel, Chief Academic Officer of the Wyoming Department of Education was given an honorable mention for her work to improve literacy throughout the state. Hamel applies for and manages grant programs including a $38 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. She has also developed K-3 Literacy Guidance Framework, coordinated professional development for Wyoming teachers, and collaborated with UW to conduct a conference to share literacy best practices.
The LRCC team received several high-quality nominations and encourages those who were not recognized to resubmit their nomination packet for next year's award!
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.