For the second year, Luzerne County Head Start presented its Bold Leadership award to an outstanding staff member.

The award acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on the children, families and staff at LCHS. It recognizes those who have been an employee at the organization for at least three years, and who demonstrate initiative, serve as outstanding role models, and inspire others to work collaboratively and creatively, while serving as a champion for the children and families LCHS serves. 

The recipient of the 2022 LCHS Bold Leadership Award was maintenance worker, Charles Josulevicz.

Charlie has been a dedicated employee for many years and always displays a pleasant, cooperative attitude in all that he does.  On a daily basis, he demonstrates qualities that go above and beyond what is expected of him. 

Charlie’s kindness and patience is evident, as he often drops whatever he is doing at the moment to lend a hand to someone in need.  Despite the many demands he and his department have on their time, they go from center to center, answering whatever the call may be.  During the pandemic the workload has increased, but the department continues to be reliable in every way. 

Charlie also maintains strong relationships with everyone he comes in contact with, including the children at LCHS.  His wonderful sense of humor and friendly personality further exemplify his character. His kindness and hard work create a welcoming atmosphere at LCHS.

Charlie, LCHS thanks you and your team for all you have done to meet the challenges we faced this past year. We are grateful to have you as part of our team and are proud to present you with the agency’s Bold Leadership Award.

Fourteen-year-old, Lizzie Shacklett, an eighth grade student who currently resides in Montgomery County, recently purchased several bilingual books for children in Luzerne County Head Start’s (LCHS) preschool program.  The young woman who was recently named “Miss Luzerne County’s Outstanding Teen” is focused on raising awareness about the importance of literacy in young children. 

LCHS, which provides early childhood education and comprehensive services to qualified children from birth to age five and their families in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, was in need of bilingual books for their dual language learners. The young woman sold some of her preloved clothing in order to raise money to purchase these books.

Kelly Chamberlain, director of education at LCHS says, “When the same story is read in two different languages, the child grasps a better understanding of language and how to use it correctly.  For this reason, bilingual books help to connect the child’s new experiences and their cultural heritage.”

Profit obtained from the sale of her preloved clothing allowed Lizzie to purchase three dozen books for three and four-year-old children at LCHS’s Beekman Street location in Wilkes-Barre. Lizzie’s goal is to donate as many books as possible to schools, educational centers and shelters.

Thank you to Lizzie for thinking of LCHS and for helping to make a difference in the lives of young children.