BEATRICE – A Beatrice Middle School reading instructor is the first recipient of a new award presented through the Beatrice Educational Foundation. 

Melissa Omar is receiving a $1,000 award in the “Joy of Reading For Everyone program, which aims to make students better readers and help in developing their reading skills.

The grant through the foundation, made possible by Devon and Jessica Wegner, recognizes that reading is fundamental to success in school. 

Omar will be able to use the award money to purchase novels and reading resources on the topic of diversity. 

Beatrice Educational Foundation Executive Director Jami Vater says the foundation is excited to help teachers enhance their skills in an important educational area. 

The presentation of the grant was made Friday afternoon in front of one of Melissa Omar's classes of students.   The grant can be used to attend conferences or workshops, purchase books and other materials….all toward helping students….especially those struggling with reading,...to become proficient.