TEACHERS AND STUDENTS at Big Rock Elementary School in Chesaning received a large donation of new books from Tracy Foster and Shannon Cooper-Toma on Friday, March 16. Foster is a kindergarten teacher at Nellie Reed Elementary in Vernon, where Cooper-Toma is the principal. The two educators have teamed up to write two books, “Benson’s Adventures in Michigan” and “Benson’s Seasonal Adventures in Michigan.” The educators were able to provide copies of their newest book, “Benson’s Seasonal Adventures in Michigan,” to each student in nine Big Rock Elementary classrooms, and each teacher also received a copy for their classroom.
Shown during the book donation are Big Rock Elementary teachers and several sponsors. Tracy Foster can be seen at the far left in the back row and Shannon Cooper-Toma at the far right in the back row.
The two authors also donated copies of their first book, “Benson’s Adventures in Michigan,” to the students and teacher at Big Rock Elementary last year. The large book donation was made possible with the help of sponsors, which included Don and Jeanne Cooper, Misiuk Funeral Home, Harris Insurance Agency, The Indian Café, Hoerner & Associates, Animal Healthcare of Chesaning, Mel Ervin Ford, Dr. Catherine Tierney, American Legion Post 212 and its Auxiliary, Chesaning Manufacturing and Broad Street Pharmacy.
Foster and Cooper-Toma have also created the Benson’s Literacy Foundation to provide a resource for families and educators to ignite curiosity, pride and love for our Great Lakes state. More of Foster and Cooper-Toma’s story will be shared in future editions of The Independent, so stay tuned.
(Courtesy Photo)
