CCCF announces One School: One Book program for Cass County schools
Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
The Cass County Community Foundation is excited to announce again funding for the One School: One Book program to be offered to all Cass County Elementary Schools, the Logansport Intermediate School, and Caston Elementary in Fulton County.
The program is designed to encourage reading, both at school and at home as the entire building reads the same book.Participating students each receive a book to keep and further build their personal library. At school, students explore the novel with their classmates, teachers, and even custodial staff. Chapters are assigned nightly with prizes, games, and activities to enhance the reading experience.
CCCF President & CEO Deanna Crispen shared, “This is the third year for CCCF to support this incredible reading program. My family was fortunate enough to be involved at Pioneer Elementary in 2024 as the school presented the program reading Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The entire experience was so incredible. From teachers dressing as characters and Mr. Quillen posing as Willy Wonka, to the decorations, prizes, golden tickets, and finally the visit to watch the movie at Mary Max Cinema; the program is outstanding. As I shared my experience with our CCCF board, we saw the value for all of our students and the decision was made to fund the program for the county schools.”
Each school can apply for funding and buildings may choose their own book title. Schools are encouraged to form a small committee and enlist parents in the process who will make the book selection, plan activities, and solicit other support. CCCF will provide books and a stipend for decorations, costumes and other materials.
This year, Logansport Intermediate School completed the program in December 2025, reading the book, “Wonder”. Lewis Cass Elementary kicked off their program last week and selected Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, complete with characters, decorations, and golden ticket candy bars. Caston Elementary is reading Flora and Ulysses this year, complete with a typing squirrel and donuts at their kick-off. Pioneer, Fairview, Landis, and Columbia are scheduled to announce their books soon.
The $60,000-$70,000 funding for the program is provided by the Richard and Rose Gates Educational Endowment Fund and is available one time each school year to the schools. Seven schools are participating this year.
Richard Gates was a 1947 graduate of Lucerne High School who enlisted in the Army in 1948. After serving his country for three years, he returned home to Indiana and was awarded a scholarship to attend the Acme School of Tool & Design Technology in South Bend. The scholarship led to a 30-year career as a senior tool design engineer working in the aerospace, missile, rail, machine, and automotive industries. Richard specifically worked on the development of the Boeing 747, navy radar, Trident missile systems, F-15 fighter program, and the NASA space shuttles.
Richard and his wife, Rose, had many opportunities to visit and explore new places but, they loved their quiet life in Royal Center. When they both passed away within months of each other, The Richard and Rose Gates Educational Endowment was created to help students in the community they loved and called home.
For more information or if you have questions about the program, please contact Deanna Crispen, President & CEO, Cass County Community Foundation Inc. 574-722-2200.
SOURCE: News release from Cass County Community Foundation
