2022 Champions of Literacy
2022 Champion of Literacy Recipient -
Dr. John L Colbert, Superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools
About Dr. John L Colbert
Board Chair Molly Jensen said: “Dr. Colbert was selected for his advocacy for our community, and his leadership in the Fayetteville Public Schools over many decades of service, always with a focus on celebrating learning and literacy. We value his support for students with diverse backgrounds and sometimes challenging circumstances. His focus on educating all students and creating an equitable learning environment embodies the ideals of our work.”
The Champion of Literacy award was created ten years ago to recognize an outstanding commitment to literacy by a Northwest Arkansas community member and is presented as a memorial to one of Ozark Literacy Council’s greatest supporters and advocates, the late Barbara Broyles.
2022 Champions of Literacy Event
In 2022, we held an event at the Fayetteville Public Library with food from Chef Rafael Rios of Yeyo’s Mexican Grill to celebrate Dr. Colbert’s commitment to literacy and education in Northwest Arkansas.
Guests were served a four course meal including nachos with heirloom tomatoes, pico de gallo; ribeye tacos with charred kale tortillas and serrano chimichurri; pork belly with grilled turnips and plantain puree; chicken mole negro with charred cauliflower creme; and a guava mango parfait.
Guests enjoyed a photo booth, music, Don Julio margaritas, beer, wine and mocktails while celebrating the diversity of our community and the power of philanthropy, literacy, and volunteerism.