What an amazing night at District Hall joined by a phenomenal group of people excited to make a difference.
We are so grateful to our speakers, literacy coaches, and supporters who help us continue to witness our mission in action!
Thank you to all who participated in Lighting the Spark!
Because of you, our generous Literations community, we were able to raise a record-breaking amount!
It’s not too late to make a difference!
Nearly 70% of fourth graders throughout Massachusetts are not reading at grade level.
COVID-19 has caused existing gaps in early literacy to grow, creating obstacles to the path of learning that can affect children for years to come.
Literations has continued to meet the need for early literacy support…
In 2022 we expanded to a new school district beyond Greater Boston. We piloted a new pre-fluency literacy model, strengthening support for our youngest readers and setting them on the path to success. Our goal is to continue serving more students while also deepening the experiences and impact for students and volunteers.
Lighting the Spark is a night to celebrate student success and hear inspiring stories from champions in our community. We hope you’ll join us in empowering young readers by giving the gift of literacy.
This year’s speakers
Michael E. Festa
State Director, AARP Massachusetts
As State Director for AARP Massachusetts, Festa leads the development and delivery of AARP’s community programs, advocacy and information for its more than 750,000 members age 50 and older in the Commonwealth.
Festa served in Gov. Deval Patrick’s Cabinet as the Secretary of Elder Affairs from 2007-2009, and previously in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1999-2007. As State Representative, Festa spearheaded the “Equal Choice for Senior and Disabled Persons” law and led successful efforts to increase state and federal funding for home care, long-term care and elder protective services.
Festa began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County and had a longstanding law practice in his hometown of Melrose.
Tiffany Lillie
Guest Speaker
Tiffany Lillie currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement for Framingham Public Schools. She oversees all Equity and Diversity initiatives, Student Registration, Early Childhood Alliance, Wraparound Services, Out of School Time, Adult ESL, Bias Based Investigations, and Family and Community Engagement.
Ms. Lillie has been a youth worker and educator for over 15 years with a commitment to equity and justice. Before joining the MetroWest community, Ms. Lillie worked around the state with several community-based organizations and municipal governments including You Inc., YWCA, Girls Inc, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, and the City of Cambridge. Ms. Lillie is also a proud board member of Jewish Family Services of Metrowest, Leadership Metrowest, and RIA Inc.
Andres Guerra
Guest Performer
Andres is a Venezuelan composer, arranger, and guitarist, that blends the rich tradition of the classical guitar repertoire and technique with improvisation.
He Graduated with a summa cum laude, dual-major Bachelor’s Degree in Film Scoring and Performance from the prestigious Berklee College Of Music.
Preview his musical stylings at www.andresguerraguitar.com.
