GREENFIELD – The Greenfield Grand Lodge Order of Elks has awarded Literacy Project Executive Director Judith Roberts with the 2022-2023 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award.

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Roberts. “The Literacy Project and the Elks Lodge mission are aligned; nothing underscores and safeguards our democracy more than the right to read freely.”

The award was presented to Roberts last month “for outstanding and meritorious service to humanity,” according to a joint announcement from the Elks Lodge and the Literacy Project. The Greenfield Lodge has been a supporter of The Literacy Project over the years that Roberts has been director.

The mission of the Elks Lodge is to “promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.”

Neal Jennison, who now serves as the lodge esquire, said the purpose of the award is to recognize some of the “hidden gems” in the community.

“Bringing literacy to adults is well worth being mentioned in our community,” Jennison said. “Whether it’s Scouting or 4-H, we need to bring this stuff to the forefront to let people know there are some wonderful people, wonderful organizations.”

The Literacy Project is an adult education program based in Greenfield with classrooms in Greenfield, Orange, Amherst, Northampton and Ware. It serves approximately 200 adult students and out-of-school youth a year who are preparing for the High School Equivalency Diploma, also known as the GED. Students study in five subject areas – reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

Roberts was presented with the award at the Greenfield Elks Lodge by Jennison and Exalted Ruler Chad Wright.

“I was talking with Judith after the ceremony,” he recalled. “I joined the Navy in 1978. Coming from Hudson Valley, New York, I was shocked – I graduated from high school and joined the Navy. I think we lost about 20 of my boot camp company who couldn’t read and do the math they needed to continue on in boot camp. I was shocked. I never realized it was that kind of a problem.”

Jennison acknowledged that there are many adults who still struggle with literacy.

The Literacy Project “is a nice segment of society and program to shed light on,” he said.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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