Sparwood resident and member of Council Joanne Wilton will soon be receiving a prestigious literacy award to honour her commitment and contribution to the community. In honour of International Literacy Day on September 8th, the Elk Valley Community Literacy Advisory Council will be presenting Joanne Wilton, former Assistant Librarian at the Sparwood Public Library, with the Champion for Literacy Award. This award is the first annual award to be presented in the Elk Valley and is given to an individual or group who has a commitment to literacy, shows innovation and creativity which inspires others to learn and is a strong community advocate for literacy.
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy sought nominations through the summer months and recently, the Community Literacy Advisory Council chose Wilton as the winner of the award. "Joanne’s dedication to literacy in Sparwood have made a huge impact on her community," says Leah Wilkie, Community Literacy Coordinator. "Through her work at the Sparwood Public Library from 2005 to 2012, she was able to spearhead many different programs such as Seniors’ Computers, Book and Movie Club, peer tutoring, HOP, Move, Computer Fun, an Environmental Club, a after school program, a massive summer program, and the ever popular Spooktacular. She has also been very involved in many committees including the Early Childhood Development Committee, the Treehouse Daycare, the Community Literacy Advisory Council (District Literacy Plan), and Guider, Commissioner and Area Commissioner for Girl Guides of Canada," says Wilkie.
Though Joanne has now changed career paths, her contributions to literacy in the Elk Valley continue through her work as a District of Sparwood Councilor, and carry on as her passion for literacy continues with everything she does.
On September 6th, two days before International Literacy Day, a celebration will be held at the Sparwood Curling Rink during the Community Information and Registration Night to honour Joanne’s efforts.
The community is invited to join in recognizing Wilton with a short award presentation, followed by coffee and cake.