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.
Nominated by educators from across the state, 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.
When I started kindergarten, I didn’t know many English words; I have a strong work ethic and want to be the best student I can be. This scholarship is important to me because I want to be a doctor; I realize my dad may not have to pay so much for me to go to college.
Brittney Lopez Vasquez
2024 Tenn Under 10 Little Literacy Leader
Hillcrest Elementary
Tenn Under 10
Little Literacy Leaders of 2024
Joseph Beltran
C. Hal Henard Elementary – Greenville City
What I want to be when I grow up:
Veterinarian
My favorite book:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down
by Jeff Kinney
Kolby Elizalde
Cole Elementary – MNPS
What I want to be when I grow up:
Bug Scientist or Teacher
My favorite book:
Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
and Lilo and Stitch books
Trenity Gilmer
Smithson Craighead Academy – MNPS
What I want to be when I grow up:
Artist
My favorite book:
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Mason Kirkland
Richland Elementary – MSCS
What I want to be when I grow up:
Art Teacher
My favorite book:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney
Luke Todd
Johnson Elementary – Franklin Special
What I want to be when I grow up:
NFL Player
My favorite book:
Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey
Madelion Tsukas
Valley View Elementary – Campbell
What I want to be when I grow up:
Cosmetologist
My favorite book:
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Brittany Lopez Vasquez
Hillcrest Elementary – Hamblen County Schools
What I want to be when I grow up:
Doctor
My favorite book:
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Rimantas “Rimy” Vitkauskas
Holladay School – Benton County
What I want to be when I grow up:
Animator
My favorite book:
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
by Dav Pikey
Hunter Williams
Holice Powell School – Dyer County Schools
What I want to be when I grow up:
Vet
My favorite book:
Diary of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Berkley Young
Burks Elementary – Putnam County Schools
What I want to be when I grow up:
Teacher or Zoologist
My favorite book:
Diary of a Pug by Kyla May
When I came home from school after learning I won, my mom said, “We better start thinking about colleges!”, and I asked her, “What can I be?” and my mom told me I could be whatever I wanted to be. This is given me such a great chance for when I grow up.
Joseph Beltran
C. Hal Henard Elementary
