In 2017, with the leadership and personal involvement of then Exalted Ruler Paul Diaz, the Lodge vastly expanded the Dictionary Project for third-grade students. Educators tell us that up to grade three, students are learning to read. From the third grade on, they are reading to learn. Having their own dictionary and learning how to use it has shown to enhance this process.
After meeting with the District Coordinator for Elementary Education for the Indian River County School District, the Lodge received full support to expand its program from its humble beginning the previous school year.
Pictured above is Exalted Ruler Paul Diaz and Pat Diaz giving third-grade students an overview of their new dictionary.
A secondary purpose of our work with the Dictionary Project is to make the children aware of the dangers of drugs. Each dictionary we present comes with a bookmark which reinforces this message. We bring our mascot, Elroy the Elk, on our school visits to make a lasting impression on the children.
Public Information Office of the School District of Indian River County was so impressed with our program that they created this video.
