Rotary member Bernie Kagan, Councilwoman (and Rotary member) Vicki Gillis, AZ State Representative Mariana Sandoval, Rotary member Mary Kay Utecht, and Rotary member Jim Frey
Mary Kay Utecht
The fight for community literacy received enthusiastic support this month as City Councilwoman Vicki Gillis joined hands with the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club (GYPC) to promote early childhood education and reading opportunities for young learners. Councilwoman Gillis, known for her dedication to public safety and charitable civic work, is helping spearhead local initiatives that equip children and families with the tools they need to build a foundation for lifelong success.
“I wanted to do everything I could to support our community’s children and families; ensuring every child has the chance to thrive and succeed,” Gillis stated in a recent interview. Her work continues to raise awareness for the resources and support needed for strong learning environments throughout Goodyear.
The GYPC Rotary Club knows that research consistently shows that exposure to books, language-rich environments, and parental involvement in the earliest years of life shapes children’s abilities to succeed academically and emotionally in school. Ninety percent of brain development occurs in the first five years, underscoring the vital role of early educational interventions. GYPC Rotary is providing that reminder every day on our school buses as well as mailing books to children’s homes until they reach age 5. Our bus signs remind parents of the importance of reading to their children daily. We have Lending Libraries, like the one sponsored by Councilwoman Gills, strategically placed throughout the city in places that may not have many books in the homes.
By prioritizing early childhood literacy, leaders like Councilwoman Gillis and organizations like the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek strengthen the educational fabric of our city. Their collaborative efforts are helping ensure that all children in Goodyear have access to books, quality reading activities, and supportive environments, setting them on a path to success in school and beyond. The community’s commitment, led by passionate leaders and volunteers, continues to make an inspiring difference for our children and their families.