2018 Rogers Scholar Elizabeth Jones, dressed in full costume as “Mrs. Incredible,” and Jamestown Elementary School principal Diane Blankenship display some of the 1,142 books collected in the first-ever Incredible Book Drive.
When 2018 Rogers Scholar Elizabeth Jones heard there was a book shortage at Jamestown Elementary School, she knew she had to help.
Jones, a graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program, decided to organize a book drive.
“As a kid I loved to read. There was nothing better than a good book,” said Jones, a junior at Russell County High School. “When I learned that Jamestown Elementary School was short on books, I knew this would be perfect for my Rogers Scholars community service project.”
She challenged students at Jamestown Elementary School to donate new or gently used books to their school and classroom library for the first-ever Incredible Book Drive.
To kick off the campaign, Jones dressed in full costume as “Mrs. Incredible” and talked to the entire student body about the importance of reading.
Students, eager to be a part of the book drive, donated 1,142 books (at an estimated value of more than $8,000) to the project.
“I was impressed with Elizabeth’s ability to arrange and lead a big project and to motivate low-income students to give what they have to help others in a way that truly will impact learning for years to come,” said school principal Diane Blankenship. “Elizabeth is a special young woman and will be an asset to any organization fortunate enough to count her among its number.”
Jones expressed appreciation to the “incredible” students, teachers, staff, and administrators at Jamestown Elementary School for helping with the project.
“I am so thankful that through the Rogers Scholars program I was granted this opportunity to do this project,” Jones said. “Rogers Scholars taught me leadership skills, gave me some great friends, and exclusive college scholarship opportunities.”
Jones is the daughter of Darren and Jo Beth Jones of Russell Springs.