Fall 2000

Deupree Recognized for Fighting Illiteracy

Samford student Scarlotte Deupree of Sylacauga continues to be amazed at the widespread illiteracy in Alabama. And she remains convinced she can do something about it.

"Our state alone has over 900,000 citizens, 25 percent of Alabama's population, that cannot function beyond the fifth grade level of comprehension," says the junior English major. "They are functionally illiterate."

Several years ago, Deupree began teaching non-reading adults to read. She and her mother, Joy, helped revive the Literacy Council of Sylacauga. Within three months, they had trained 25 tutors who were ready to help non-readers on a one-to-one basis.

The problem of illiteracy seems overwhelming at times, says Deupree, but she believes with more awareness and involvement from Alabama citizens, "our literacy rate will begin to change one step at a time."

For her efforts, Deupree received the Daily Point of Light Award for June 14 from The Points of Light Foundation of Washington, D.C. Co-sponsored by the Corporation for Public Service and the Knights of Columbus, the program honors an individual or organization each day for volunteering to meet critical community needs.

Deupree, a singer, was named Miss Samford 2001 in October. She was third runner-up in the 2000 Miss Alabama Scholarship Pageant in June.