NEWBERRY — The Newberry County Literacy Winter Gala was held on Thursday, December 7. It was a night filled with food, fellowship and fun.

Barbara Chapman, the director of Newberry Literacy, hosted the event and reminded everyone of the importance of the work that the Newberry County Literacy Council does in the community. Chapman acknowledged Mayor Foster Senn for attending along with other councilmen and community leaders.

The speakers for the evening were Darelle Dove and Mykal Moore. Both Dove and Moore have careers in education and understand the need for children to learn literacy skills at an early age. Dove is the media assistant of East North Street Academy, where he works with children on literacy skills and has designed lessons specifically for his Pre-K students. Dove is also a Spoken Word artist and shared how writing poetry helped him to heal. He performed the piece “Masterpiece.”

Mykal Moore is a third grade teacher at East North Street Academy, where he is able to help students academically and emotionally. Moore graduated from Anderson University from the Call Me Mister program. Before Moore graduated college he had already written a book called Crazy Kids: An Emotional Framework for Understanding Rebellion and Disrespect.

Reggie Wicker and Barbara Chapman, executive director of the Newberry County Literacy Council.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Reggie-Wicker-Barbara-Chapman.jpgReggie Wicker and Barbara Chapman, executive director of the Newberry County Literacy Council. Courtesy photo

Book Club members Bernadine Edmonds and Emma Jeter.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Bernadine-Edmonds-and-Emma-Jeter-BookClub-Members.jpgBook Club members Bernadine Edmonds and Emma Jeter. Courtesy photo

Darelle Dove served as one of the guest speakers for the evening.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Darrell-Dove.jpgDarelle Dove served as one of the guest speakers for the evening. Courtesy photo

The lucky winner of the CJ Edwards jersey.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Edwards-Shirt.jpgThe lucky winner of the CJ Edwards jersey. Courtesy photo

Penny McDowell and family smile for the camera.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Gala-2-2017-Penny-McDowell-Families.jpgPenny McDowell and family smile for the camera. Courtesy photo

Joe and Mary McDonald.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Joe-and-Mary-McDonald.jpgJoe and Mary McDonald. Courtesy photo

Lillie Bates and Sheila Brown.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Lillie-Bates-and-Sheila-Brown.jpgLillie Bates and Sheila Brown. Courtesy photo

Mayor Foster Senn also came out to the Gala.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Mayor-Foster-Senn.jpgMayor Foster Senn also came out to the Gala. Courtesy photo

Book Club members Patsy Wise and Marion Tobais.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_Patsy-Wise-Marion-Tobais-Book-Club-Members.jpgBook Club members Patsy Wise and Marion Tobais. Courtesy photo

Staff Report