LEWISTON, ID – The Alice Whitman Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognized three individuals for their contributions to literacy in the community. On March 15, 2025, Jan Goodheart, Darlene Larson, and Jenny Petty were presented with the “Literacy Champion Award” for their efforts in promoting reading and providing books to various organizations in the Lewis-Clark Valley.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) issues the Literacy Champion Award to individuals who make a significant impact through service, organizing, or participation in literacy initiatives. The Alice Whitman Chapter’s Regent, Judy Higgins, and Literacy Program Chair, Judi Wutzke, presented the awards.
Jan Goodheart has collaborated with the Asotin County Library Foundation, Clarkston Asotin Pomeroy Retired Educators, and Asotin County Community Services on multiple literacy projects. These include the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which has provided books to 411 children, and a StoryWalk at Beachview Park, featuring rotating children’s stories. She has also contributed to literacy outreach efforts in local classrooms.
Darlene Larson, a member of the Alice Whitman Chapter, has donated books to retirement homes, the Veterans Resource Center, schools, a Free Library at her church, and the Asotin County Library. She is also working to provide books for young people at the Juvenile Detention Center in Lewiston. Larson previously worked with the Lewis-Clark Valley Literacy Council and the Special Needs Adults program at Lewis-Clark State College.
Jenny Petty has coordinated a literacy program for the past five years in the Asotin School District. The program provides literacy packets to children ages one to five on their birth month. She has been an elementary school teacher for 25 years and currently teaches first grade at Asotin Grade School.
“These women have truly helped literacy grow with current books to kids, families, veterans, and seniors in so many venues,” said Wutzke. “We are grateful to them for their years of dedication to our communities.”
DAR is a service organization that promotes historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The Alice Whitman Chapter participates in various local initiatives. More information about DAR can be found at www.dar.org.
