Friend of Literacy Award
The Friend of Literacy Award recognizes an individual who has made a meaningful impact on literacy in their community. Honorees demonstrate an exceptional commitment to promoting reading and literacy beyond their professional responsibilities or daily work.
2026 – Harry Fields III
Harry Fields III was named the recipient of the 2026 TRRC Friend of Literacy Award. Through his philanthropy, Fields has helped expand the reach of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center’s educational programming by supporting the publication of two children’s books about Medal of Honor recipients, along with two activity bundles and related instructional materials.
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2025 – Dr. Ronnie Erwin
Dr. Ronnie Erwin, philanthropist, businessman, and education advocate, was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Friend of Literacy Award, honoring his extraordinary contributions to advancing children’s literacy and supporting educators across Tennessee.
Continue reading about the Friend of Literacy 2026 recipient, Dr. Ronnie Erwin.
Friend of TRRC Award
The Friend of TRRC Award recognizes an individual or organization that has partnered closely with the Tennessee Reading Research Center to advance literacy within their community or region.
2025 – TN CCR&R
Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral (TN CCR&R) exemplifies putting best practices first through statewide initiatives that support educators and by sharing proven literacy practices. Therefore, the Tennessee Reading Research Center named TN CCR&R as the 2025 recipient of the Friend of TRRC Award.
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2024 – Memphis Literacy Institute
Ensuring that teachers and leaders are trained in research-backed literacy methodology to support the schools they serve, the Memphis Literacy Institute exemplifies putting best practices first. Therefore, MLI was named the inaugural recipient under the award’s previous name, Literacy Champion.
Continue reading about the Friend of TRRC 2024 recipient, Memphis Literacy Institute.