Over the past seven years, Eva Lewis has been a committed community volunteer in the Rapid City School District. In 1996 she made a personal commitment to help in Sandra Grout's first grade class at Horace Mann and now at Knollwood School. Each Wednesday morning, Eva gives of herself to the first graders so that they can be the best readers they can be! She has missed very few days during the past seven years, giving heartfelt nurturing to children who don't always have a chance to read at home.

Sandra Grout who nominated her says that she "volunteers from the heart" and there is nothing better than praise and love and that Eva gives both freely and consistently. The children look forward to reading with her and getting that wonderful "Grandmotherly" encouragement. Eva is a giving person, personally buying pencils, erasers, balloons, candy, cards and writing personal letters to each child. She supports the school by saving soup labels and collecting cans of food for the needy to help the classroom reach their goal. Eva has made countless cookies, cupcakes, treats and handmade crafts, like her special felt mice bookmarkers, for the children throughout the years.

Mrs. Grout notes that her room has "bloomed" with flowers that Eva has grown and brought to school to brighten the day. "Mrs. Lewis has a compassionate heart and a belief that all children can blossom and learn with love. We are grateful for having her and thank her for sharing, caring and giving to the children of Rapid City."

Eva is a life-long resident of Rapid City, married to Charles for over 53 years. She has three children - Mike of Rapid City, John in Florida and Tammy in Louisiana. Eva and Charles are both retired, Charles from civil service and Eva from SCI. She loves being grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, growing flowers and teaching Sunday school.