Miss Tennessee International Kassie Perkins recognizes the importance of early childhood literacy.
Perkins has partnered with the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation/Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to advocate for childhood literacy through her platform, “Page Ahead.” She has been visiting schools throughout the state where she holds inspirational readings, and talks about the importance of literacy, self-confidence and perseverance.
Perkins has also published a children’s book as Miss Tennessee International titled “Where There is a Will, There is a Way,” in hopes the book will motivate students to reach for their dreams.
Last year, Perkins helped raise more than $2,000 for the Imagination Library and read to more than 1,500 children in 47 different schools and libraries across Tennessee. She said the Imagination Library has found a special place in her heart after watching her two younger siblings go through the program.
“I was given the opportunity to see firsthand how this program inspired my brother and sister to fall in love with reading,” Perkins said. “I know it works… (and)…makes an enormous difference… I will support it in any way that I can.”
Perkins is currently a junior at Tennessee Technological University. She plans to attend law school after graduation and pursue a career in corporate law. She can be reached at [email protected] for reading appearances.
