Kara Gregory Awarded bill Montgomery Literacy Service Award
The National Writers Series is proud to announce that Kara Gregory will be awarded this year's Bill Montgomery Literary Service Award for her efforts in promoting youth literacy. The award will be presented on March 24th at 7 pm during the National Writers Series event featuring author Ellen Airgood.
Gregory is the founder and executive director of PoWeR! Book Bags, which distributes literacy materials to underserved children in Northern Lower Michigan. Since the organization's start in 2016, PoWeR! Book Bags has distributed 275,000 books to young readers, including another 14,000 this week as area students leave for spring break.
PoWeR! has also distributed over 60,000 book bags filled with educational supplies to encourage creativity, play, and a love of reading and writing. The organization currently has programs in 20 Michigan counties serving over 15,000 children from birth through high school graduation, with a primary focus on children aged 0-8 from economically disadvantaged families.
In addition to her work with PoWeR!, Gregory has also co-authored two textbooks on social development and literacy, developed an early literacy training program (PLaY!) for Michigan teachers, taught Child Development and Early Childhood Education courses at Michigan State University and in private and public schools, and has also worked as an independent education consultant for the Oakland Intermediate School District.
She also volunteers extensively in our community: She's held roles including Vice-President of the Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library Board, she's a member of the Front Street Writers Advisory Board, and she's served as the National Writers Series Mentor to the Front Street Writers' Writer in Residence.
"I”m honored to receive this award," Gregory says. "It is only possible because of the hundreds of dedicated volunteers that work to make PoWeR! Book Bags happen—because when children play and write and read, language and interactions flourish and powerful things can happen in their lives! "
About the Award
The National Writers Series created the Literary Service Award in honor of the late Bill Montgomery, as a recognition of his service to increasing community literacy and deepening our understanding of our shared humanity through writing.
Bill was a businessman and author who wrote a heartfelt book, Prayer for Time: A Memoir, about his valiant battle with cancer. The NWS is eternally grateful to Bill for his dedication to the written word, his wise guidance as an NWS board member, and his significant contributions to the Traverse City community.
Previous winners:
2018: Bill Montgomery
2019: Karen Puschel Segal and Jack Segal
2020: Terry Wooten
2021: Bob Giles
In-Person tickets for An Evening with Ellen Airgood can be purchased through the City Opera House. The event and award ceremony will also be live-streamed; attendees can purchase virtual tickets at our site and will be sent a link at registration.
