KCI Rotary Club members were guest readers last week in three Platte County School District elementary schools as part of the Kansas City metro-wide “KC Rotary Reads” program. The program was developed to promote literacy—one of the six Rotarian pillars—throughout Greater Kansas City. KCI Rotary Club volunteers read “Andy and Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure” to 400 students in 18 fourth grade classes at Siegrist, Compass and Pathfinder elementary schools. The book, written and illustrated by Rotary member Andrew J. Shoup, supports making good decisions based on the Rotary Four-Way Test: "Is it the truth? Is it fair for all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
Students had the opportunity to meet various leaders from the business community and discuss similarities between the book and “Leader in Me” concepts shared in their schools and by professional groups like Rotary. The book encourages leadership; working well with and encouraging greatness in others; and identifying win-win situations to achieve and be successful.
Founded in 1975, the KCI Rotary Club is an organization comprised of business leaders and professionals who share a passion for and commitment to enhancing communities and improving lives locally and across the globe. KCI Rotary Club members volunteer more than 2,000 hours per year to service projects that benefit and support various organizations that serve Platte County, including Hillcrest Platte County, Feed Northland Kids, Platte County Back to School Fair and other charitable initiatives.