DANVILLE, VA - Danville Community College’s (DCC) innovative literacy project, ‘Ace the Mighty Conquers Knight School’, recently won two prestigious regional awards, recognizing the project’s excellence in creativity, storytelling, and educational impact.
The project was honored with a District 2 Gold Medallion Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR). This award, one of the highest honors in the field of community college marketing and public relations, recognizes outstanding achievement in communications and design. The Gold Medallion specifically highlights the innovative approach of ‘Ace the Mighty Conquers Knight School', a project that captivated 2nd – 4th grade audiences with its dynamic narrative and engaging content aimed at improving literacy and inspiring self-esteem and confidence among children.
Additionally, the project earned a Second Place Award in the Virginia Community College Association (VCCA) 2024 Excellence in Communications Awards Program. This competition celebrates top-tier communications efforts across Virginia’s community colleges. DCC’s literacy initiative was acknowledged for its significant impact on the local community, creative execution, and its role in promoting literacy as a pathway to success.
Dr. Jerry Wallace, President of Danville Community College, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “Ace the Mighty Conquers Knight School exemplifies our commitment to educational excellence and community outreach. These awards affirm the importance of engaging with our community through innovative and impactful initiatives, and we are honored to receive such distinguished recognition.”
The book, authored by Dr. Jerry Wallace and Faith O’Neil, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for DCC, was featured in an extensive Elementary School Book Tour during fall 2023 and spring 2024, beginning with Pittsylvania County Elementary Schools.
Ultimately, the tour visited 22 elementary schools across three localities, impacting nearly 2500 children. Ms. O’Neil shared the reason for the project and described the two-fold impact the story has for elementary students.
“Often in the community college setting, we find that students question their ability to succeed in obtaining their higher education goals, often before they are even enrolled,” said Ms. O’Neil. “We hope that our local elementary school students not only enjoyed hearing the story and reading the book, but we hope that they took away the important message that with hard work and persistence, goals can be achieved.”
The book includes several recognizable characters, including Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, DCC President Emeritus, who is featured as the Wise Wizard Carlyle; Ace, Dr. Wallace’s Yorkiepoo, who inspired and stars in the story; and Pippa, Ace’s real-life miniature schnauzer sister.
‘Ace the Mighty Conquers Knight School’ is now available for purchase online through the DCC Castle Bookstore at bookstore.danville.edu.
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