Powered by PNC, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation’s Tenn Under 10 initiative recognizes 10 Tennessee 3rd graders as “Little Literacy Leaders,” based on their ability to overcome hardships as they learn how to read.
There were 143 applications submitted from educators in 37 counties, 42 school districts, and 90 schools across Tennessee. The 10 scholars were selected based on how they exhibit the four values of Tenn Under 10: tenaciously driven, eager to read, noticeably growing, and nonstop learner.
In addition to the post-secondary education scholarship, each honoree will receive books and resources to support their reading journey as well as recognition as GELF’s “Little Literacy Leaders” in their local community.
I’m proud of myself for learning to read, and I hope all kids will learn to read, because I love books, and
I think they will, too!
Shanna Hopland
2023 Tenn Under 10 Little Literacy Leader
Elizabethton, TN
Tenn Under 10
Little Literacy Leaders of 2023
Alli Roberts
Holice Powell Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Teacher
My favorite book:
Judy Moody: The Doctor is In
Angel Armas
Power Center Academy – Hickory Hill
What I want to be when I grow up:
A YouTuber
My favorite book:
The Last Kids on Earth
Jaida Murray
Robert Churchwell Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Teacher
My favorite book:
The Little Engine That Could
Juan Pablo Mendez
Johnson Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Games Department Employee
My favorite book:
The Sneetches and Other Stories
Kaylee Strawn
Holladay Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Vet
My favorite book:
Bad Kitty
Lilah Santoyo-Chacon
Glenwood Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Professional Opera Singer
My favorite book:
How I Met My Monster
Lyam Tyson
Chattanooga School For The Liberal Arts
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Football Player or Army Officer
My favorite book:
The Cat In The Hat
Raylee McKeen
Vena Stuart Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Police Woman
My favorite book:
Pete the Cat
Shanna Hopland
Elizabethton City West Side Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Mom and Artist
My favorite book:
The Giant Hug
Sophia Johnson
Etowah Elementary
What I want to be when I grow up:
A Daycare Owner
My favorite book:
City of Dragons Series
After being introduced and celebrated at GELF’s special event, Alli came back to school eager to share her adventures with her 19 other classmates, but more importantly she came back with a message for them: ‘You can do it too! ‘Never give up, just keep trying like I did!’ Because of this wonderful program and the scholarship provided, Alli will have the opportunity to attend college and continue to be the tenaciously driven, noticeably growing, and a nonstop learner she is today.
Monica Robbins
Dyer County Educator