On a mission to transform the lives of students in rural Oklahoma who struggle with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other learning disabilities, Behrend Lovelace has rallied an army of volunteers behind him while working on his Eagle Scout service project.

Behrend is a junior at Epic Charter School and a member of Boy Scouts Troop 479 in Edmond.

He is the son of Lanie (Post) Lovelace, a graduate of Kingfisher High School and grandson of Mickie Post of Kingfisher and the late Garold Post.

Facing the challenges of dyslexia himself, Behrend understands the critical importance of early intervention, explicit instruction and quality reading resources.

Having meticulously planned and prepared comprehensive reading interventions from the Florida Center of Reading Research, Behrend plans to distribute the much needed resources to four public schools in Western Oklahoma.

“Each school will receive 400 interventions complete with manipulatives, all thanks to generous donations from Christian charities and private donors,” said Lanie, who serves as regional literacy coordinator and dyslexia specialist at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).

Beyond the countless hours of preparation, Behrend’s vision extends to a dedicated team of volunteers who donated their time and effort to print, cut, laminate and store the interventions, ensuring they are ready for immediate use in the classroom.

This monumental effort is the result of a powerful collaboration between communities, churches, youth organizations and the OSDE HEROES (Help Elevate Reading Outcomes for Every Student) Literacy Team, Regional Literacy Coordinator Classie Nolan said.

Support for the project has been robust, with Kingfisher Emmanuel Lutheran Church emerging as a key community partner, she added.

Behrend organized two workshops to assemble the packets, one at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on July 27, in which many volunteers from the congregation gathered alongside Behrend to support the worthy cause.

“Volunteers from the comfort dog ministry, Lutheran women’s ministry and congregation turned out to help,” Post said.

“I was really overwhelmed how many showed up to help. I was very touched and grateful.”

Additionally, members from Troop 479 and Troop 79, alongside volunteers from The Reading League Oklahoma and Decoding Dyslexia OK, have come together with Behrend to accomplish a shared mission enhancing literacy among children in Oklahoma.

This collaborative effort highlights the community’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in education, Lanie said.

“It only takes one person with a vision to begin formulating a plan,” Nolan said.

“With guidance and assistance, that vision can make a difference in the lives of over 200 students each year in rural Oklahoma schools and this small spark of energy from a young man could lead to a far-reaching impact across our state.” By addressing the literacy crisis head-on, Behrend’s project is poised to leave a lasting legacy, Nolan added. “He is not only helping students learn to read but also empowering them to reach their full potential,” she added. “As his project takes flight, it serves as a shining example of how dedication, community support and a clear vision can create profound change.” As Behrend and his team continue to make waves in the realm of education, Laine said, it’s proof that one young person’s determination can ignite a transformation that resonates far and wide.