Teen Author and Literacy Advocate

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Advocate. Author. Civic Innovator. Changemaker.

Creating a Legacy that Inspires Generations

Meet Lizzie Shacklett—Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, 13 Under-30 honoree, United States Senate Youth Program Delegate, and a global achiever on a mission to make an impact.

Connect With Me

Meet Lizzie Shacklett

Lizzie is the Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, a nonprofit through which she has distributed over 55,500 books worth $275,000 to underserved children and Title-I schools across the Mid-Atlantic region. She is the author of a children’s book, I Read Before Bed, which she has shared in schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of her “Learning With Lizzie” program: aiming to inspire a love of reading and learning in the next generations. Through Literacy Is Lit, Lizzie strives to increase literacy rates, fill educational gaps, and work towards a future where all children are empowered with the skills and the confidence they need to succeed. Having served as Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen in 2023, Lizzie traveled across the state and participated in over a hundred service engagements to further her cause. At her high school, Lizzie is the President of Service Council, the Secretary General of Model United Nations, a Student Ambassador Leadership Team Head Tour Guide, an appointee to the Honor Council, and a member of the a cappella group, the Bel Cantos. Last summer, Lizzie interned for State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti as a Communications Intern and also taught a public speaking workshop to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China. Having attended elementary school in Singapore, Lizzie wants to pursue Chinese and Political Science. Her passion is serving others and her purpose is to doing so through government leadership and international collaboration.

Xoxo, Lizzie

Areas of Impact

Catalyzing Change Through Leadership, Literacy, and Language

From leading Literacy Is Lit and advocating for educational equity

to engaging in civic leadership and cultivating connections through language,

Lizzie is committed to creating meaningful change.

Literacy Is Lit

Founder & CEO

I am passionate about educational opportunities, and I am an advocate for literacy. Recognizing extremely low literacy rates despite the importance of basic literacy skills, understanding inequities and disparities within our school systems, and fueled by my personal love for reading, I founded the nonprofit Literacy Is Lit. I collect preloved and new books through book drives, which I donate to underserved children and Title 1 schools in need. To date, I have distributed over 35,000 books throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. I also run an Ambassador program where I mentor 5 students in 5 different school districts to support them in running their own book drives. Furthermore, I have authored a children’s book, “I Read Before Bed,” which I have shared in schools, libraries, and community centers as a supplement to my “Learning With Lizzie” presentation. This programming, including both my book and interactive presentation, serves to emphasize the importance of literacy skills, encourage students to read, and inspire in them a love of learning. In addition, I have worked with organizations like BookSmiles and The Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians to further this cause. Through “Literacy Is Lit,” I strive to ensure everyone has the literacy skills they need to succeed.

BookSmiles

Lead Ambassador

Collaborating with BookSmiles, I host book drives to collect preloved books in the city and suburbs of Philadelphia, sort books at BookSmiles’ warehouse, organize and host Ambassador meetings at their headquarters to increase community engagement, and assist with their annual 5K run. I have also helped establish and maintain partners for BookSmiles, including the bookstore Main Point Books and the Kiwanis Club of the Main Line.

Civic Engagement

Communications Intern for Pennsylvania
State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Communications Intern in State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti’s office. Converging communications and public service, I assisted the Senator’s staff by writing press releases, crafting speeches for the Senate floor, creating social media content, completing media advisories, and compiling resources for constituents. This internship immersed me in the world of public service, allowing me to explore the inner workings of our state legislature, learn about Pennsylvania’s policies, and be inspired by so many motivated leaders determined to drive positive change for the Commonwealth. I am grateful to have played a small part in serving our state, and I look forward to applying everything I learned to my future endeavors in public service.

63rd United States Senate Youth Program Delegate

I was honored to join Senator John Fetterman and Senator Dave McCormick in representing Pennsylvania during the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, held March 1 - 8, 2025. I was selected among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation that attended meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and other officials throughout the week. I also received a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

Chinese

Public Speaking Workshop Teacher at Changsha WES Academy

In the Summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to teach public speaking to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China.

I led daily workshops, facilitated engaging activities to improve the students’ speaking skills and confidence, and helped prepare them for their camp-end speech competition. Witnessing their growth was invaluable.

The students and I practiced our language skills with each other, supported one another’s progress, and created cross-cultural connections; our time together was truly transformative.

这次经验改变了我的人生。因为除了练习说中文以外，我也跟中国学生建立很多牢固的友谊。我们打破文化的隔阂，互相学习。

Looking back, I reflect on my own growth-not only in terms of my language skills but also my worldview.

I will forever cherish the conversations, the memories, and the friendships from my time in Changsha, and I am immensely grateful for this life-changing experience.

Miss Pennsylvania's Teen

As Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen (2023 - 2024), I served as a representative of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation and traveled across the Commonwealth to give back to people through my nonprofit, Literacy Is Lit. I visited multiple counties and completed over 100 appearances and service engagements, promoting the importance of reading in schools, libraries, community events, and the State Capitol. In addition, I worked with the American Heart Association, the Eagles Autism Foundation, the Philadelphia Flyers Recess Program, Cops N’ Kids Reading Rooms, Barnes & Noble Easton, the Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital, State Representative Curry, State Representative Borowski, and many more to further other valuable causes and make impactful change in the lives of Pennsylvanians.

School Leadership

Student Leadership Ambassador Team &
Lead Tour Guide

President - Service Council

Deputy Editor - The Wick, School Newspaper

Secretary General/President - Model United Nations

Appointee - Honor Council

Extracurriculars

Bel Cantos, Award-winning A Cappella Group

Dance Motion Performance Team

Writing Center Tutor

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Children's Book Author

I Read Before Bed

When six students read before bed, they learn valuable lessons that they can apply to their daily lives. From performing acts of kindness and building self-confidence to recycling and making healthy choices, the story of I Read Before Bed demonstrates that each book you read equips you for success.

Follow on Instagram @lizzieshacklett.literacyislit

3 years of I Read Before Bed 🥹💗

I am so grateful to have been able to share my children’s book—a story of reading, discovery, growth, and empowerment—with hundreds of children across Pennsylvania and beyond.

I Read Before Bed is rooted in the belief that today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders; I hope it continues to instill this message and spark inspiration within the next generation.

Visit the link in my bio to find I Read Before Bed on Amazon, and swipe for a sneak peak of something exciting coming soon … 睡觉前我看过的书!

From sorting and dropping off book donations to planning our upcoming initiatives, Literacy Is Lit started the summer strong with the Literacy Leaders Summer ‘25 Kickoff! 📚☺️

We began the day by welcoming new Literacy Leaders, discussing the importance of strengthening educational equity through increased book access, and outlining our summer and fall drives. 🙌

We made a trip to Main Point Books in Wayne to pick up a donation of twenty boxes of books for distribution to BookSmiles, and we then spent time categorizing the books from our recent drives by age range. 📖

For families struggling with food insecurity, putting food on the table takes priority, while books and reading become secondary. Food insecurity and illiteracy are both results of systemic inequality, often fueling each other, but they are ones we can work to dismantle. We collaborated with five local food pantries by preparing and dropping off book donation bags for them to distribute to the families they serve, including the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard, the Wayne Food Pantry, and Lifewerks.

Each Literacy Leader continues to make an impact through their drives and dedication to serving others … stay tuned for where they take Literacy Is Lit next! 🔥

What an inspiring evening at the inaugural BookSmiles Book Bash, raising funds to distribute books to children in need and raising awareness about the illiteracy crisis.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have spoken about my efforts, through Literacy Is Lit and as a BookSmiles Ambassador, to dismantle inequality by increasing access to books in vulnerable communities.

Listening to and connecting with the guest speakers—among them literacy advocates, educators, and elected officials—was truly empowering. Their stories solidified why educational equity is critical and how achieving it requires the collaboration of engaged citizens and community leaders.

Books change lives.

Hearing the staggering illiteracy statistics was at first frustrating, as illiteracy contributes to unemployment and cyclical poverty and can prevent people from fulfilling their full potential. However, surrounded by so many dedicated individuals doing incredible work—from distributing millions of books to advocating for reform—I was filled with immense hope for the future. It is energizing to be apart of a community that cares so deeply about this cause, and I am grateful to support the mission of BookSmiles.

Literacy is more than just a life skill. As Senator Singleton stated, literacy is dignity and freedom—the freedom for people to write their own stories beyond the systemic barriers they may face.

It is up to us to take action and address illiteracy; we must begin by, together, rewriting the present. To learn more, visit BookSmiles.org and LiteracyIsLit.com. 📚

I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Region Chinese Speech Contest hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Chinese Language Program and CLTA-Taoli! 🎤

I was honored to receive second place for my speech, “Chinese and Me,” where I discussed my experience growing up in Singapore, how living abroad shaped my love for languages, my time teaching public speaking in Changsha, and my desire to pursue Chinese in college and my future career. 😊

This summer, I am excited to return to Penn’s campus to participate in STARTALK, a Chinese immersion program funded and managed by the National Security Agency. ⭐️

Thank you to Dr. Tian for these opportunities to advance my Chinese skills and create cross-cultural connections! ❤️

What an amazing opportunity to support TEDxPenn, the largest student-run TEDx conference in the world, as a High School Ambassador! 🎤🥰

On Speaker and Content Team, I loved working behind the scenes to prepare for the 2025 “Volta” conference; hearing incredible talks with insightful, empowering messages; and connecting with the speakers, including Jett Puckett, Benjamin Fernandes, and Dr. Holly Hatcher-Frazier. 🙌

Thank you, TEDxPenn, for the lessons learned, friendships made, community gained, and inspiration instilled ⚡️❤️

For Read Across America Week, Literacy Is Lit collaborated with Main Point Books, the Kiwanis Club of the Main Line, and the Conestoga Key Club to host a “Fill the Truck” event for BookSmiles! 📚😊

We collected 3,000 preloved books to distribute to children in underserved areas: a step towards breaking down educational barriers, one book at a time. I also had the opportunity to discuss my efforts through Literacy Is Lit with the Key Club’s members.

Whether it’s donating books to communities in need, or advocating for educational equity, I am grateful for opportunities like these to work towards a future where all children have the literacy skills and empowerment they need to succeed—and to write their own chapters. #LiteracyIsLit 🔥

Thank you to Cathy, Larry, Sarah, Lillian, and everyone who supported and contributed to this event! 💛

I loved volunteering at @Food4Philly’s weekly Hunting Park food distribution, serving over 350 people in North Philadelphia. While supporting Food4Philly’s mission of scaling food insecurity, I was also able to distribute some books I had brought to the children and families who stopped by. ☺️💜

Dismantling barriers to quality food and educational resources is critical—Food4Philly & Literacy Is Lit are working to do just that in the Philadelphia community.

Thank you so much to Main Line Today for featuring my selection as a Pennsylvania delegate to the 63rd U.S. Senate Youth Program! I am honored to represent Wayne and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the Capitol next week, and I could not be more excited to commence this incredible and life-changing opportunity! 💫🥰

To read the full article, please visit the link in my bio.

I am honored to have been selected as a Pennsylvania delegate for the 63rd United States Senate Youth Program! 🇺🇸🏛️💫

In March, I will travel to D.C. for Washington Week to meet with and hear major policy addresses by U.S. senators, cabinet members, department officials, agency directors, a Supreme Court justice, and the president.

This unique educational experience will provide insight into the inner workings of our federal government; I could not be more excited for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with our country’s leaders and grow as a civic leader myself.

Sponsored by the Hearst Foundations, I will also be awarded a $10,000 scholarship for my undergraduate studies.

Alongside my co-delegate, Anjali Verma, I am proud to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the Capitol. I can’t wait to meet the rest of our incredible delegate class from across the country, and I am looking forward to furthering my passion for public service. ☺️

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my journey, and thank you to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Hearst Foundations, and the USSYP!

See you soon, D.C. 😆

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to teach public speaking to middle and high school students at a summer camp in Changsha, China! 🎤💫

I led daily workshops, facilitated engaging activities to improve the students’ speaking skills and confidence, and helped prepare them for their camp-end speech competition. Witnessing their growth was invaluable ☺️

The students and I practiced our language skills with each other, supported one another’s progress, and created cross—cultural connections; our time together was truly transformative. I am beyond grateful for this life-changing experience 🥰

这次经验改变了我的人生。因为除了练习说中文以外，我也跟中国学生建立很多牢固的友谊。我们打破文化的隔阂，互相学习。

Looking back, I reflect on my own growth-not only in terms of my language skills but also my worldview.

I will forever cherish the conversations, the memories, and the friendships from my time in Changsha; thank you to Steve for inviting me to be a workshop teacher, to Alina, to all my amazing TA friends, and to everyone who made the week at camp so special 🤗

我爱你，长沙! ❤️

To kick off the new year, I hosted a Literacy Is Lit Ambassadors Leadership Training, where we discussed our plans for 2025, coordinated our upcoming book drives, and developed innovative ideas to expand our efforts in the year ahead. 💫

We also enjoyed time at the BookSmiles Book Bank, sorting almost 5,000 books that will soon be distributed to underserved children living in book deserts. 📚

The Ambassadors have made incredible impacts within their communities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor and support them as they continue to drive positive change. Together, we are working towards a future where every child has access to literature and the literacy skills they need to succeed. 🥰

Special congratulations to Lyla for collecting over 500 hundred books during her most recent drive! 🙌

Thank you to BookSmiles for hosting us for the day :)

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Communications Intern in State Senator Cappelletti’s office. 💫🏛️

Converging communications and public service, I assisted the Senator’s staff by writing press releases, crafting speeches for the Senate floor, creating social media content, completing media advisories, and compiling resources for constituents. 📝

This internship immersed me in the world of public service, allowing me to explore the inner workings of our state legislature, learn about Pennsylvania’s policies, and be inspired by so many motivated leaders determined to drive positive change for the Commonwealth. 🫶

Thank you to Senator Cappelletti, Sara Kelly, and the entirety of the Senator’s staff for this experience — I am grateful to have played a small part in serving our state, and I look forward to applying everything I learned to my future endeavors in public service. ☺️

What a night at our “BookSmiles Party” hosted by Main Point Books! 📚🥳

BookSmiles founder Larry and I had the opportunity to share the mission and the vision behind our efforts. I spoke on how Literacy Is Lit empowers students to reach their full potential through access to literature and literacy skills, advocated for the importance of BookSmiles’ work in “irrigating book deserts,” and, in connecting with community members, both young and old, encouraged them to get involved. 📖💫

We were also able to collect 500 books, soon to be distributed to Title 1 schools in need across the Mid-Atlantic region! 🎉🤩 Thank you so much to our attendees!

Literacy skills allow people to navigate their everyday lives, achieve academic and professional success, and experience personal fulfillment, but literacy rates are staggering. It is critical that we, one book at a time, work towards educational equity and towards a future where all children have access to the resources they need to succeed. #LiteracyIsLit 🔥

Thank you so much to Cathy from Main Point Books for your incredible support and for hosting this event! 🫶

I had the best time at the St. Andrew’s Model United Nations Conference, where I was honored to receive the Best Delegate award for the Legal Committee 👩‍⚖️💫

From forming blocs, collaborating with peers, and writing resolutions to quoting Hobbes’ “Leviathan” in a speech, I am grateful for everything this conference taught me! Thank you to SAS for a great experience ☺️

You’re invited to a BookSmiles Party 📚🥳

Join us at Main Point Books in Wayne on Tuesday 11/29 to connect with local literacy leaders, including the founder of BookSmiles, and to learn more about the organization that has distributed almost 2.5 million books! 📖

Discover how you can support BookSmiles and help everyone access the books and the literacy skills they need to succeed. 🫶

We look forward to seeing you there; please find the registration link in my bio! 🔗

In the words of Larry, “To Literacy!” ☺️

I loved helping run the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians’ table at the Mt. Airy Village Fair! 📚

We connected with community members to advocate for PARSL’s mission and share the importance of ensuring every school in the Philly district has a functioning library and certified librarian-led program.

Libraries and their resources provide students with empowerment and set them up for increased academic and professional achievement. Through conversations and crafts, it was so great to spread this valuable message and encourage people to support PARSL’s actions toward educational equity. ☺️

Please visit @RestorePhillyLibrarians to learn more! 🫶

In August, I loved volunteering at the BookSmiles 5K for Literacy along with my Literacy Is Lit Ambassadors, Kristen and Brynne! 🏃‍♀️☺️

It was an amazing opportunity to raise funds for BookSmiles, connect with the NJ & PA community, and advocate for the importance of access to books. I had the opportunity to speak to all the attendees about my work with my nonprofit and to encourage youth engagement in the fight for literacy. 📚

I am grateful to collaborate my initiative’s efforts with an organization fueled by a mission as valuable as BookSmiles’; today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders, and it is critical that we ensure everyone has the skills to read and the ability to succeed. 💗

If you are interested in donating books, collecting books, or supporting Literacy Is Lit, please reach out!

Congratulations again to the winners of the 5K! 🎉

I am honored to have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award gold medal for my dedication to and the work I’ve completed through Literacy Is Lit! 🏅

I visited libraries and schools across the state to advocate for literacy and inspire a love of reading in the youngest generations, and I collected and distributed over 25,000 books to children and Title 1 schools so that everyone can have access to the resources they need to succeed. 📚

I am beyond grateful for the ways in which I’ve been able to serve my community through Literacy Is Lit, and I am excited to continue helping today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders. 🥰

Thank you to Sharon Cordes for your support of my service endeavors! #LiteracyIsLit 🔥

Literacy Is Lit - empowering people through literacy, one book at a time 📚🔥💛

I am so excited, grateful, and honored to be crowned Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen 2023, winning $9,000 in scholarship! 👑 Thank you to everyone who has supported me and made this possible, especially my NEPA family. 🥰 Make sure to follow my year of service at @missamericasteenpa! 💖 Wilkes-Barre, I’m headed to Miss America’s Teen! 🤩

Miss PA’s Teen Prelims ✅ Such a fun night competing in the prelim competitions! I loved sharing my passion and personality onstage 🥰 Tonight we crown a new Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! 👑

Did someone say PJs and pizza? 😴🍕 I had a blast at the Miss PA Belles PJ & Pizza Party after our first day of rehearsals! 🎉 I loved catching up with all the Belles, making a few TikToks along the way, and sporting my own PJs that feature my children’s book, “I Read Before Bed”! 🥰📚 I can’t wait to watch these amazing Belles perform at our show tomorrow, and I am so excited to compete in Miss PA’s Teen prelims! 👑

What a fun night out at the ball game! ⚾️ The Miss PA delegates attended a York Revolution game, and we even participated in a “Show Us Your Shoes” parade around the field! 👠 My sneakers feature my CSI, Literacy Is Lit, and I am so excited to advocate for resources for all and quality education in the state of PA during the upcoming competition. 📚

Thank you to @KitayLawOffices for your sponsorship tonight.

The teens had an amazing time at the Turkey Hill Experience! 🍦 We learned all about the ice cream company’s history, it’s manufacturing processes, and it’s many flavors. 🍫 We even made our own flavors and ice cream 😋 I had so much fun with my teen queens! 👑 A big thank you to our wonderful sponsor @JCPenney for providing this experience, and thank you for our beauty gift bags! 🎁

While in the final days before Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen, I would like to reflect on my year so far. 💭

I am so grateful for everything I have learned and gained from this wonderful organization. I am grateful to have new opportunities, use my voice for what I’m passionate about, and grow into the best version of myself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. 💖

Here are some highlights from this year. ✨

I am so excited for Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! 🤩

Dear Delegate Diary, 📝 Entry 7: Book Smiles 📚

Come with me to the Book Smiles headquarters where I drop off a donation of 200 books, volunteer with sorting, and discuss the meaning behind my Community Service Initiative. 📖🔥

Grateful to learn from the best … Happy Birthday Meredith! 💄🎉 Thank you for being an amazing role model and a great teacher. You are so fun to work with and always put a smile on my face. 😊 I appreciate all you have done for me! Have the best day! 💖

Practicing my Irish dancing and getting super excited to perform my talent at Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen! ☘️ I am so grateful for the the lessons I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made, and the friendships I’ve gained from competitive Irish dance. 🥰

SWIPE to see some Miss America titleholders who are also Irish dancers! 👑

⬇️

Betty Thompson, Miss Oklahoma 2011, Runner Up to Miss America

Bridget Oei, Miss Connecticut 2018

Maya Coyne, Miss California’s Teen 2021

Mia Fritsch-Anderson, Miss Illinois’ Teen 2022

Colleen McDermott, Miss Johnston County’s Teen 2023

Talent practice underway ☘️

So excited to share my Irish dance talent at the Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen competition in York, PA! 👑

How you can support:
🗳️ Vote for Delegate #13 for People’s Choice @ MissPA.Org
🎟️ Purchase in person or virtual tickets for the competition @ AppellCenter.Org

I am so excited for next week! 😊

Memorial Day 🇺🇸❤️

Today we remember and honor all who have served. Thank you.

Dear Delegate Diary, 📝 Entry 6: Mandarin/Singapore 🇸🇬

I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn new languages, exlplore different cultures, and become a global citizen 🥰🌎

#FactFriday 💗📚

Low literacy limits employment opportunities, leading to increased poverty. Low literate individuals have a difficult time finding work because they are unqualified for many jobs that require reading skills (Ballard Brief).

Literacy is such an important skill needed for success in life, and many societal issues such as unemployment and poverty can be traced back to a lack of literacy.

This is why I provide underserved communities with access to the resources they need to succeed through my book drives. I have collected and distributed over 7,000 books to preschools, centers, book banks, and shelters across the state.

I also advocate on the importance of literacy skills and quality education through my social media, children’s book, and appearances, and overall encourage members of my community to get involved through their own donations and advocacy.

If we work to raise literacy rates and increase funding for education, we can end the cycle of poverty, enhance opportunities across our country, and build a better future.

#LiteracyIsLit 🔥📚💗

Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen is less than a month away and I could not be more excited! 👑 People’s Choice Voting is now live and I would greatly appreciate your vote at the link in my bio! 🗳️💗

Missing all my sister queens but can’t wait to be back in York in June for Miss PA’s Teen! 👑💗🥰

I am so excited to be Delegate #13 for Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen, June 15th and 16th! 👑💗 Be sure for follow my journey to York, PA through my Delegate Diary video series. 📝🥰

Dear Delegate Diary, Entry 5 📝 RailRiders Appearance ⚾️

I had an amazing day cheering on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, promoting the NEPA Scholarship Competition and Miss America, and connecting with the community! 👑⚾️

Thank you so much to the businesses, friends, and family who supported my journey to Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen through my Ad Sales! 👑 I am so excited to share that I raised $5,025 for scholarships for the young women of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation! 🥰💕 Thank you for supporting the MPSF and Miss America! 🤩

Take me out to the ball game … what a fun filled day at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game! ⚾️ I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the field, promote the Northeastern PA Scholarship Competition, sing at the 7th inning stretch, and of course, meet so many amazing members of the community (especially the little ones). 🥰 While cheering on the RailRiders’ winning game, I was grateful to share my experiences with Miss America and connect with prospective delegates. 👑 I even passed out copies of my children’s book, “I Read Before Bed”! 📚 Thank you to everyone at the SWB RailRiders, Rachel Malak, and our NEPA directors and family for such a fun day! 🤩

Dear Delegate Diary, 📝 Entry 4: “Feising” ☘️

Check out what it is like to compete in an Irish dance competition, called a Feis! 🥰☘️

Music: @FeistheApp Presentation Track, V1

Happy Birthday to our amazing Pennsylvania Executive Director, Miss Debbie! 🎉 Thank you so much for being a role model, and for everything you do for the girls in this organization. 💗 We are so grateful for you! 🥰 Have the best day! 🥳

Books + Baby Yoda = the perfect May the 4th! 📚💫💚

Yesterday I had the opportunity to read my book, “I Read Before Bed,” to the Pre-K class at my school! 📖 I loved sharing the importance of reading and how it teaches us new things, and talking about how I wrote and designed my book. 📝 As I read, the girls even caught on to the rhyming pattern of my book and began reading it with me! 😆 I also had the opportunity to read their book that they wrote together as a class, and of course, share in their Star Wars enthusiasm. 💫 Thank you so much to Ms. Yocum for having me, and here’s to teaching the next generation that #LiteracyIsLit 🥰

DELEGATE DIARY 📝 ENTRY 3: IRISH DANCING ☘️

I am so excited to give you a look into my world of competitive Irish dancing! 🇮🇪 (My Miss America talent)

I am a competitive Irish dancer with the McGough Academy. 💕

I am regionally, nationally, and internationally ranked, my most recent placement being 7th in the World for Girls u15 at the World Championships this past month. 🌎

My next competition is the North American Nationals in July which I’m super excited to be training for. 🤩

I typically train 5 days a week in the studio along with practice at home and two days of strength training. 💪

Here are some clips of me in both soft shoes (similar to ballet) and hard shoes (similar to tap). 🩰☘️

music: @feistheapp Presentation Track FEIS 1

April 29th - the best Orientation with my gals! 👑💗

DELEGATE #13 ✨💕

What a fun day at the Miss Pennsylvania Orientation, presented by @KitayLawOffices! 👑 I am so excited to be lucky Delegate #13 for the Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen Competition this June! 🥰 Thank you so much to all of the amazing speakers today. 💗 See you in June, York!

MISS PA’S TEEN PURSE AUCTION 🎸🤘👛

I had a blast at the Rock and Roll themed purse auction, where we raised scholarship dollars for the Miss PA Scholarship Foundation! 👑 Thank you so much to Jersey and the Smith family for hosting an amazing event! 🤩 I loved seeing all my sister queens again, and I am looking forward to Orientation tomorrow! 🥰

#FactFriday

1 in 5 children do not own a book of their own. 😮 They are unable to explore reading and learning at home, where they could develop valuable literacy skills. 📚

@Literacy_Trust

—————————————————————————————

Literacy is such a necessary skill needed for success in life, and many societal issues such as poverty can be traced back to a lack of literacy.

This is why I give underserved families and children access to the resources they need to succeed through my book drives. I have collected and distributed over 7,300 books to schools, community centers, book banks, and shelters across the state.

I also advocate on the importance of literacy skills and quality education through my social media, children’s book, and appearances, and overall encourage members of my community to get involved through their own donations and advocacy.

If we work to raise literacy rates and increase funding for education, we can end the cycle of poverty, enhance opportunities across our country, and build a better future.

#LiteracyIsLit 🔥📚💗

DELEGATE DIARY 📝 ENTRY 2: IRISH DANCING MAGAZINE ☘️

Today I am giving you a look into my role as a Junior Reporter Intern for @IrishDancingMagazine 🥰☘️💗

Happy Earth Day! 🌎
I am grateful for our beautiful planet and reminding
myself of the small ways I can make a big impact to save it. 💕

#FactFriday

Learning to read combines 3 cognitive skills:

👂AUDITORY PROCESSING - begins in childhood when a person starts to hear, understand, and use words

🗣️ DECODING - occurs as a person learns to sound out or recognize words

💡 COMPREHENSION - happens when the reader derives meaning from words, sentences, and entire texts once the content has been decoded

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1 in 4 children in America grow up without learning how to read.

This is astounding, because literacy is such a necessary skill needed for success in life, and many societal issues such as poverty can be traced back to a lack of literacy.

This is why I give underserved families and children access to the resources they need to succeed through my book drives. I have collected and distributed over 7,300 books to schools, community centers, book banks, and shelters across the state.

I also advocate on the importance of literacy skills and quality education through my social media, children’s book, and appearances, and overall encourage members of my community to get involved through their own donations and advocacy.

If we work to raise literacy rates and increase funding for education, we can end the cycle of poverty, enhance opportunities across our country, and build a better future.

#LiteracyIsLit 🔥📚💗

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LIZZIE SHACKLETT

Advocate. Author. Civic Innovator. Changemaker.

Creating a Legacy that Inspires Generations

Meet Lizzie Shacklett—Founder and CEO of Literacy Is Lit, 13 Under-30 honoree, United States Senate Youth Program Delegate, and a global achiever on a mission to make an impact.

Meet Lizzie Shacklett

Areas of Impact

Catalyzing Change Through Leadership, Literacy, and Language

Literacy Is Lit

Founder & CEO

BookSmiles

Lead Ambassador

Civic Engagement

Communications Intern for Pennsylvania
State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti

63rd United States Senate Youth Program Delegate

Chinese

Public Speaking Workshop Teacher at Changsha WES Academy