Kiera Laskie of Le Mars, stands next to a stand featuring the title page of the story “Gruffalo” at Cleveland Park. Laskie was instrumental in having the story book walk constructed for Le Mars. Laskie earned the “Gold Star” award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, for the project.
(Le Mars) — A gathering of nearly 30 people were at Cleveland Park Wednesday afternoon for the dedication ceremonies of the new story book walk. Kiera Laskie of Le Mars was the instigator of the new project. She had an idea to create a story book walk for Le Mars after seeing a similar project at Yankton, South Dakota. Library Director Shirley Taylor explains the concept of a story book walk, and also tells about the one featured in Le Mars.
Taylor says the first story book walk is entitled: “Gruffalo”
Kiera Laskie raised more than $8,000 from various organizations, businesses, and individuals and worked with the city’s library, city administration, and park officials to get her idea constructed. Laskie earned a Gold Star award through Girl Scouts for her project. The Gold Star award is the highest honor given to Girl Scouts, and would be similar to that of an “Eagle Badge” with the Boy Scouts. During yesterday’s dedication ceremony, Shannon Jensen, a representative from the Le Mars Public Library, talked about the importance of having a story book walk in Le Mars.
Laskie tells of her idea of incorporating a story book walk for Le Mars.
Laskie stands next to the characters from the children’s book “Gruffalo”.
Tina Laskie, Kiera’s mother and Girl Scout leader, pins the Gold Star award to Kiera’s vest. The Gold Star award is the highest honor awarded in the Girl Scouts program.
