Reading Theatre Dedicated at Edith Bowen School

The Theresa K. Eckenbrecht Allred Reading Theatre was dedicated at the Edith Bowen Laboratory School March 4. The Allred family was on hand for the ceremony that included remarks from family, friends, former students and administrators from the school and the College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University.

 

The reading room, named in Allred's honor, is part of the Anne Carol Moore Library at Edith Bowen School. It is a comfortable center for reading or lecture activities and features a tiered amphitheatre-style seating area and a gas fireplace that adds to the den-like feeling.

 

Frank Stewart, director of development for the College of Education and Human Services, conducted the ceremony, filling in for Dean Carol Strong. Following his introduction, Edith Bowen principal Kaye Rhees spoke.

 

"Theresa, I have great, deep abiding respect for you," Rhees said. "You have taught countless children in this valley to read, and I am so proud that your name is now included with that of Anne Carol Moore in this library."

 

A short program followed. Musical selections were provided by a group of Edith Bowen school students. Under the direction of Jill DeVilbiss, 25 students presented two selections, including Read Me A Memory by Jay Richards. A violin selection was provided by Allred's son, Alan, and her son Kirk provided biographical information.

 

Vaughn Larson, media specialist at Edith Bowen, was joined by five members of the River Heights kindergarten class of 1967, a class taught by Allred. All paid tribute to their first teacher.

 

Continuing a family tie to the school, three of JR and Theresa Allred's sons attended Edith Bowen School.

 

Theresa taught kindergarten in Ogden and then at River Heights, North Park, Park and Sunrise schools in the Cache County School District for more than 20 years.

 

Since her retirement, Allred has continued to support the causes of libraries, literacy and reading, particularly for young children.

 

In her remarks to the crowd, Allred shared her love of books and her love of children.

 

"Every child I worked with was a gift to me," she said. "Books were also a gift — how did this happen? How did I become a bookaholic?"

 

Allred acknowledged the contributions of her mother, Katherine, for instilling a life-long love of reading and books, especially the classics. She thanked her husband, JR, and encouraged everyone at the dedication to keep reading.

 

"Be a life-long learner," Allred said. "Don't give up — learn something every day."

 

"Theresa E. Allred dedicated her teaching career to young children," a dedicatory citation reads. "She taught from the heart. Called by one a 'legendary kindergarten teacher,' she sought to inspire children to love life and learning and to persevere through challenges. Her work is marked by vision and compassion. She is a champion of learning and a lover of the words and pictures of children's literature."

 

"We have all seen the influence of a great teacher," Stewart concluded. "This reading room will continue that tradition and provide enjoyment for many years to come."