The Story Continues: The Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation

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The Story Continues: The Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation

For more than 25 years, Cortney Nowak was a shining light in the world of education. At the time of her passing she had completed half of her thesis work.

Her passion for literacy and helping young children learn were unparalleled. Her passion for literacy and helping young children learn were unparalleled…and her creativity and innovative thinking set her apart in her field. Being an extraordinarily successful educator truly was at the core of who Cortney was.

Sadly, Cortney’s career in education was cut short way too soon following her untimely

passing in July 2024 at the age of 47. Today, The Story Continues: The Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation strives to bring awareness and shed light on her work in literacy education, and to carry on her legacy.

Cortney began her career at Midland Public Schools as both a special education and elementary classroom teacher. In 2006, she began her 17-year career with DeWitt Public Schools, initially as a first-grade teacher, and subsequently as a reading interventionist and then as an academic specialist. Cortney spent the last year of her career as the literacy consultant for Eaton County RESA.

Cortney had a love for learning and a deep passion for literacy. In addition to her main job roles, Cortney participated in community book swaps, literacy parent events, tutoring and summer literacy programs.

She was a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education and a master’s degree in early childhood education. Cortney began pursuing a doctorate degree through Capella University in the Fall of 2020. In the Fall of 2024, Capella University posthumously awarded Cortney her Doctorate in Education, with a specialization in Reading and Literacy.

06/10/2026

🌟 Big News & Huge Congratulations! 🌟

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Grand Ledge High School 2026 graduating senior, Madison Wohlscheid, has been awarded a scholarship by The Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation! 🎓✨

This is a incredibly special milestone for us—Madison is the very first Eaton County student to receive a scholarship from the Foundation! 🏆

Madison was selected based on her outstanding application and a truly moving essay. She has inspiring plans to become a classroom teacher, and we couldn't be prouder to support the next generation of educators who will carry forward the love of literacy and learning.

📸 Pictured here: Jim Nowak, Foundation Board Treasurer, presenting the scholarship to Madison just prior to the Grand Ledge High School Senior Class Recognition Ceremony on May 21.

Please join us in wishing Madison the absolute best as she takes this next step toward her dream of shaping young minds! 🍎📚

06/10/2026

✨ A beautiful, full-circle moment for the Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation... ❤️🎓

On May 13th, during the DeWitt High School Senior Awards Night, we had the immense privilege of presenting our 2026 Scholarship to graduating senior Emma Smith! 🌟

This year’s award is incredibly close to our hearts. Years ago, Emma sat in Cortney’s very first-grade classroom, learning to fall in love with reading and writing. Now, Emma is stepping forward into her own journey as a future educator! 🍎📚

We know Cortney’s shining light was guiding the way as Foundation Board President Emily Palmatier and Treasurer Jim Nowak presented Emma with her award. Emma was chosen based on her outstanding application and a truly beautiful essay. 📑✍️

Congratulations, Emma! We cannot wait to see you inspire the next generation, just like Dr. Nowak inspired you.

04/21/2026

📟 The coolest vending machine in St. Johns just got a restock! 📚✨

We are thrilled to award a grant to Oakview South Elementary to help fill their Book Vending Machine! 🍫✖️ 📖✔️

Through their "Literacy Incentive Program," students earn tokens for positive behavior and select a brand-new book from the vending machine to keep forever. We love seeing great character and great reading go hand-in-hand! 🏆🙌

📸 Check presentation (L to R):
Jim Nowak (Foundation Treasurer), Tammy Wilson (Oakview South Teacher & Literacy Coach), Emily Palmatier (Foundation President)

04/20/2026

At the Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation, we love fueling programs that work. ❤️📖

When we heard about the success Pewamo-Westphalia was having with their Reading Challenge, we knew we wanted to help them expand it to their 7th and 8th graders. Supporting teachers with the resources they need to improve student outcomes is exactly why we do what we do. 🌟

Special thanks to Principal Ryan Portenga for his leadership in literacy! 🤝

📸 Pictured (L to R): Ryan Portenga (P-W Middle-High School Principal) and Jim Nowak (Foundation Treasurer).

04/20/2026

⚔️ 300 Students. Thousands of Stories. One Awesome Machine! 📚📟

The story continues at E.E. Knight Elementary! We are so proud to award a grant to help restock their Book Vending Machine, ensuring that every one of their 300 students has the chance to "vending machine" their way into a new adventure. 🌟

There is nothing quite like the excitement of a student earning a brand-new book to call their own. Keep up the great work, Marauders! 🛡️📖

📸 Pictured (L to R):
Jim Nowak (Foundation Treasurer), Felicia Gingrich (Principal), Morgan Alexander (School Counselor), Emily Palmatier (Foundation President

04/20/2026

📖 Taking reading to the next level at Scott Elementary! 🚀✨

We are thrilled to announce a new grant for Scott Elementary School in DeWitt! This funding is dedicated to a brand-new Monthly Book Club specifically for 2nd and 3rd graders who are reading beyond grade level. 📚🙌

Often, our higher readers can be overlooked—but at the Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation, we want to make sure every student is challenged, inspired, and engaged! We’re so proud to provide the enrichment these students need to keep their passion for reading growing.

📸 Pictured (L to R): Foundation Treasurer Jim Nowak and Korey Forton (Special Education Teacher at Scott Elementary).

04/20/2026

🏠 The best stories start at home! ❤️📚

We are so proud to support Gateway North Elementary in St. Johns with a grant for their At-Home Reading Enrichment Program!

This funding will help put brand-new books directly into the hands of students to take home and share with their families. Our goal? To turn "homework" into "storytime" and foster a lifelong love of reading that grows far beyond the classroom walls. 📖✨

📸 Pictured: Gateway North staff accepting the grant from our Foundation President, Emily Palmatier (right).

04/20/2026

🌿 It’s a jungle out there... and we love it! 🐍📚

The story continues at Eureka Elementary! We were so excited to award a grant to help the school bring their "Escape the Rainforest" Family Literacy Night to life.

From books to materials that sparked a wild imagination, this grant helped Eureka students and families dive deep into reading during March is Reading Month. We are honored to support such a creative and "wildly" fun way to learn! 🎒🌴

📸 Pictured: Foundation President Emily Palmatier (left) presenting the check to the amazing Eureka staff.

04/20/2026

🐝 Something is BUZZING at Bath Elementary! 📖✨

We are so excited to announce that the Cortney Nowak Literacy Foundation has awarded a grant to Bath Elementary School to help power their March is Reading Month Challenge! 🏆

This grant will go toward purchasing new books designed to spark curiosity and keep our young Fighting Bees buzzing through their reading goals all month long. We believe that when kids find the right book, the story never truly ends.

📸 Pictured here: Our Foundation President, Emily Palmatier (right), presenting the check to help kick off the reading fun!

Address

PO Box 55
Dewitt, MI
48820

Telephone

+15174207409

Website

https://www.cortneynowakfoundation.org/

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