After 25 years of helping children value reading, Nancy Sewell will represent Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at the 50th Reading is Fundamental Anniversary Celebration.

According to Sewell, the local chapter of AKA, Zeta Eta Omega, got involved with RIF in 1977. She is looking forward to the trip to Washington, D.C., where she will be honored among others.

“It’s an honor to have been chosen to represent all of the RIF programs within the sorority all across the nation,” Sewell said.

The trip is all-expenses paid and will last May 4 through May 6 in the nation’s capital. The weekend is full of different events and a formal gala.

Sewell said RIF, which she started working with in 1993, has made a difference by spreading a love of reading across the nation for 50 years, especially with children who might not otherwise have access to books.

“I think RIF has inspired generations of children to read and want to read. It has promoted the love of books and the ownership of books. The program caters to underprivileged children,” Sewell said.

The local AKA chapter has worked to make sure local children have access to books throughout the year.

The chapter puts on several book giveaways and always has a Breakfast with Santa event leading up to Christmas.

“We came along with the program and made it fun to show children that they could have a good time while learning to read,” Sewell said. “Reading is the key that unlocks doors.”

Sewell said she hopes Reading Is Fundamental will evolve to embrace digital and electronic devices.

“I am so grateful to have been able to touch the lives of so many children and share the love for books and reading,” Sewell said. “Alpha Kappa Alpha operates under the motto ‘Service to All Mankind,’ and we know if children learn and practice reading, they can be whatever they want.”