“Reading is important because it opens the door to limitless possibilities.”

That’s the priority that Anne Shirelle Harris places on teaching children to read at a young age.

That’s why the Bellevue Elementary School counselor says she spearheads the 100 Black Men Read program at the school.

Each February for the past 11 years in recognition of Black History Month, African-American men have volunteered to read to students and lead discussions on the values exhibited in the books and how those values can be emulated.

Ms. Harris was honored for her leadership in the program as a 2015 recipient of Character.org’s National and International Promising Practice in Character Education Award.

Character.org sponsors the annual program to showcase innovative best practices that are having an impact across the nation and abroad.

Ms. Harris was recognized during the 22nd National Forum of Character Education, held Oct. 15-17 in Atlanta

Bellevue Elementary was one of 235 schools, districts and youth-serving organizations from across the U.S., Canada, China, India, Columbia and Britain to be recognized for winning character education practices that encourage the ethical, social and academic growth of students in grades K-12.

“I felt overjoyed and extremely honored to receive such esteemed recognition,” Ms. Harris says.

“This award is very dear to my heart,” she adds. “It represents the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of all the individuals who have ever played a part in supporting Bellevue’s 100 Black Men Read initiative.”

She says it fits perfectly with her role as a counselor at Bellevue, where she has worked since 2004.

“I became a counselor to empower individuals with the tools necessary to make responsible decisions and become successful citizens,” she says.

“It has been a joy to witness the interactions between the students and the volunteers,” she adds. “During the past 11 years, I have witnessed the evolution of a program that not only helps students develop a love and appreciation for literature but also gives them a sense of who they are and what they can be.”

Let’s read more about this week’s Personality, Anne Shirelle Harris:

Date and place of birth: Dec. 1 in Henrico County.

Current home: Henrico County.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Mary Washington College; master’s degree, Virginia State University.

Family: Husband, Dr. Emanuel C. Harris; Daughter, Arayana; son, Emanuel Jr.

How long I’ve been a counselor: Since August 2001.

Positions before Bellevue Elementary: I was the school counselor at Southampton Elementary School before moving to Bellevue. Prior to being hired by Richmond Public Schools as a school counselor, I was employed by St. Joseph’s Villa as a crisis counselor.

Community involvement: I assist my church in feeding and ministering to the homeless each month in Monroe Park.

How I got the news that I had received the honor: From Mieko Manuel Timmons, executive director of the Richmond Community of Caring organization.

Foremost reward of being a school counselor: Witnessing a student making a good choice.

What it requires to become a good counselor: A firm theoretical foundation, patience, perseverance and faith.

Foremost challenge: Is the overwhelming amount of paperwork and administrative tasks that impacts direct contact with students and families.

How the 100 Black Men Read program materialized: 100 Black Men Read was the vision of former Bellevue principal, Dr. Sherry Wharton-Carey. Recognizing the staggering statistics of black children being raised in single-parent homes run predominately by women, Dr. Carey desired to create a program to address the unique needs of her students. Through the simple act of inviting black male volunteers in to read to students, 100 Black Men Read serves a multitude of purposes, namely exposing students to positive black male role models. Congruently, the program also fosters a love for reading and an appreciation for African-American literature. Another component of the program teaches student important life lessons through a discussion of the character values demonstrated in the stories.

Future of books in the computer age: Although electronic books have become increasingly popular, I believe there will always be a demand for hard copy books. It’s hard to replace the sensation and enjoyment of turning a page.

A good school is: One that values relationships and promotes a sense of community.

Role of parents in learning process: Parents are a child’s first teacher and they play an integral role in the learning process.

What are the special challenges facing schoolchildren today: Lack of positive role models, overexposure to violence and limited exposure to cultural experiences.

I place top value on: The Golden Rule — Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What makes me tick: Blessing others.

How I unwind: With a good cup of coffee and the latest issue of People magazine.

Favorite children’s book: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.

Prized possession: My health.

Perfect day: Completing all of the tasks on the sticky notes in my office.

Perfect evening: Dinner with family, followed by a competitive game of Scrabble.

No one knows that: I have run eight 10K races.

The one thing I can’t stand: Social injustice.

Person who influenced me most: My mother, Addie Carpenter. She is the epitome of a virtuous woman.  

The book that influenced me most: “There Are No Children Here” by Alex Kotlowitz.

The book I’m reading now: “Made to Crave” by Lysa TerKeurst.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: To pick my battles.

Next goal: To return to school to obtain my LPC license for mental health counseling.