Outgoing Isle of Wight High Sheriff Dawn Haig-Thomas spent her year in office primarily focusing on the importance of literacy, and reading in schools.
She reviewed her year at the recent declaration of the new High Sheriff, Graham Biss, on Monday.
Afterwards, she told the County Press what her proudest achievements had been while in post.
Among them was her partnership with Schoolreaders to quickly and safely place volunteers into the Island primary schools to listen to children reading every week.
To date, there are more than 50 volunteers, active and growing. She spends every Wednesday afternoon listening to the children of Queensgate Primary School Year 3 reading, and loves it.
There was a Literacy Conference held with Springhill English Hub (Department for Education) to which all Island headteachers and heads of literacy were invited, with a full day of speakers and discussions on how to improve outcomes.
Over 1,000 new and nearly new children's books have been collected and distributed to Island primary schools, Pan Together, Ryde Christmas Stocking Campaign.
Over £5,000 was raised for Schoolreaders Isle of Wight, through a dinner at Dawn's home, Barton Manor, for over 100 guests.
She judged and presented the story writing awards at the IW Story Telling Festival, and facilitated storytellers and authors going into Island schools including Peter J. Murray, Chris Stevens and Ian Dickens.
Dawn also formed and acted as chair of a Literacy Working Group which includes council leads and other Islanders knowledgeable about the cause, and introduced the National Literacy Trust to the Island.
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