Lifestyle

Eagle Butte Teacher Kara Frey Wins Prestigious Book Grant

Published

3 months ago

30 December, 2025

Editorial

On December 30, 2025, Kara Frey, a dedicated educator at Great Plains College in Maple Creek, received the Book Love Foundation Grant. Frey is one of only 40 recipients in North America to be awarded this prestigious grant, which recognizes educators committed to nurturing a love of reading.

Frey, an alumna of Medicine Hat College and a former teacher at Eagle Butte High School, has a strong connection to the local community. She acknowledges the support of various colleagues and mentors, including Jennifer Konzack, Mark Heinricks, Cammie Kannekans, Heather Laturnas, and Colleen Andjelic, who have influenced her career path significantly.

Grant Use and Future Endeavors

The Book Love Foundation Grant is awarded to instructors who “demonstrate exceptional commitment to fostering authentic reading lives.” Frey plans to use the funds to enhance her classroom library, ensuring it reflects diverse identities and experiences. Notably, she is the only college-level instructor among this year’s awardees.

In addition to the Book Love Foundation Grant, Frey has also secured the First Book Canada & BMO Reads for the Future Grant. This funding aims to improve access to books that represent a variety of perspectives, further supporting her mission to provide inclusive reading materials for adult learners at Great Plains College.

Promoting Lifelong Reading

Looking ahead, Frey is set to present at the upcoming Hawaii International Conference on Education. Her presentation, titled “The Joy of Reading: Cultivating Lifelong Readers – Advanced Strategies for College and Senior High School Educators,” will focus on innovative approaches to literacy instruction and the promotion of lifelong reading habits among students.

Frey’s journey is a testament to her dedication to education and her passion for fostering a love of reading in her students. Her achievements not only highlight her individual commitment but also reflect the supportive educational community in which she has thrived.