The Michigan Reading Association along with Marquette Area Public Schools would like to recognize Graveraet Elementary Kindergarten teacher, Erika Morrison for being awarded this year’s co-recipient of the Michigan Reading Association K-9 Educator Award. Morrison was nominated by Dr. Christi Edge, Assistant Professor at Northern Michigan University. MRA summarized Morrison as having a deep understanding of “the nuts and bolts” of how to teach reading to beginning readers and to share her passion for promoting literacy among students, staff, parents and the community. Expectations for kindergartners’ achievement in their first year in school have change drastically. A parent shared that her twin boys’ experience in Erika’s classroom saw not only academic growth, but the important emotional and social growth that is so important in that first year of school. To help all students in the area look forward to reading and writing, Erika is co-directing the Young Authors’ conference in Marquette this year. MRA's Board of Directors is proud to serve by leading and supporting efforts to promote literacy through the Great Lakes State. They continue to partner with educators and businesses, support local reading councils, and provide for rich resources within their communities.