Dyer County Schools is proud to recognize Beckett Leath, a third grader at Holice Powell School, for being named one of Tennessee’s 2026 Tenn Under 10 Little Literacy Leaders.
Selected by the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, Beckett is one of just 10 students across the state to receive a $2,000 post-secondary education scholarship through the Tenn Under 10 initiative. The program celebrates young learners who have overcome challenges in their literacy journey while demonstrating perseverance, growth, and a love for reading.
Beckett’s story is one of determination and progress. Once facing challenges with reading, he has worked hard to build his skills and confidence, growing into a stronger and more capable reader.
“I am happy and grateful to win this award,” Beckett shared. “I used to not be so good at reading, but now I am.”
His nominating teacher, Mrs. Monica Robbins, shared her pride in Beckett’s journey, saying, “Beckett’s determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his literacy journey paints a powerful picture of a student who does not give up- and one who is steadily rewriting his own story as a reader.”
The Tenn Under 10 program highlights students across Tennessee who have overcome obstacles in their literacy development, including limited access to resources, language barriers, and other challenges. Each honoree is selected based on key values including being tenaciously driven, eager to read, noticeably growing, and a nonstop learner.
In addition to the scholarship, Beckett and his fellow honorees were recognized at the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation’s annual Literacy Alliance Dinner and received books and resources to support their continued learning.
Dyer County Schools is incredibly proud of Beckett’s achievement and the hard work that led to this moment. His success reflects not only his dedication, but also the support of his teachers, school, and family.
👉 View the full Tenn Under 10 Class of 2026:
https://governorsfoundation.org/home-library/k-3-home-library/tenn-under-10/meet-the-class