TalentFirst

📣 TalentFirst in the news 📣 Zinzer Elementary was recognized for its outstanding commitment to early literacy—earning a Literacy Leadership Award and a $1,000 to support their continued work. 📚

This recognition highlights the incredible dedication of educators who are going above and beyond—investing in science-of-reading training, collaborating deeply, and creating classroom environments where students can thrive.

At TalentFirst, we believe strong reading skills are foundational—not just for academic success, but for long-term career pathways and a thriving regional economy.

We’re proud to partner with schools like Zinser that are leading the way and shining a light on what’s possible when educators, students, and communities come together to prioritize literacy.

Watch on FOX 17 : WXMI TV:

Walker's Zinser Elementary earns early literacy recognition award a school-wide recognition ceremony honoring Zinser's commitment to early literacy — including a $1,000 award.

Reading is the key that unlocks potential—and yesterday, we celebrated what that looks like in action.

Zinzer Elementary students and staff at Kenowa Hills Public Schools were recognized with a TalentFIrst Literacy Leader Award for their commitment to strong, evidence-based reading practices and student growth. 📖

This recognition is about more than a moment—it reflects the daily effort of educators, the determination of students, and the leadership of a school community committed to doing what works.

As their principal Brooke Johnson shared during the celebration: “You’re showing you’re the kids that care about reading.”

And that matters.

Because when students build strong reading skills early, it opens doors across every stage of life—from the classroom to the workplace and beyond.

At TalentFirst, we’re proud to stand alongside leaders who believe in that future. As Kevin Stotts noted: “We want to make sure our communities grow and succeed—and one of the ways we can do that is through literacy.”

And as Metal Flow Corporation Owner and Chairperson Leslie Brown and Literacy Leadership Award sponsor put it: “I couldn’t do my job today without being a good reader. I have 250 employees at my company and they couldn’t do their jobs without being good readers.”

This is why our CEO Council continues to invest in early literacy—because strong readers today become the skilled workforce and thriving community of tomorrow.

👏 Congratulations to Zinzer Elementary and all of the 2026 Literacy Leader Award recipients who are helping lead the way across West Michigan.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag