This past Saturday, The Courier, in conjunction with Al-Jon, Inc., hosted the Courier’s annual Newspapers in Education Golf Tournament. It was a hugely successful event, and the entire Courier staff would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped to sponsor this cause, and those who participated to make this a great day for everyone.

This year, the tournament raised approximately $8,000 to fund newspapers in the classroom. This was accomplished with the help of over 45 local businesses and 33 teams of caring residents. Through everyone’s generosity, we are able to place over 1,200 newspapers in over 100 classrooms in 14 area school districts. The classrooms span all grades, from kindergarten through high school. The NIE program helps to put newspapers in the hands of our youth, to help build a stronger foundation of personal and community growth.

Among many other local residents and business people who participated Saturday, Tom Maher expressed his satisfaction in the outcome of the event, as well as the importance of the Newspapers in Education program. “The kids need to have something in their hands to make them focus,” adding that “keeping them informed and interested on current affairs at a young age will help to ensure that they’ll be informed and interested as they grow up.”

Courier Circulation Director Doug Techel was also pleased with the success of the event. “The weather was great, and we had a lot of golfers. We already have next year’s NIE tournament set for August 22nd (2009).”

The NIE program is a good way for teachers to have another tool at their disposal, Techel said. Using the newspaper not only keeps students current on local, state, and national news, but can also be used for everyday life.

While nobody won the camper or riding mower at the hole-in-one shot, everybody won big, knowing that they were able to give back a little to our future generations. As a community, both our businesses and private contributors, we can make a huge difference to our youth by giving them the gift of knowledge.

For those businesses interested in participating in future Newspapers in Education events, please contact Brenda Morrison at (641) 683-5388; or e-mail at — b.morrison@ottumwacourier.com.

Readers can also donate to the program by simply calling the Courier and speaking to our circulation department.