Books on Break at Bennett School was a true family affair.
On June 5, 2026, the Chatham Education Foundation brought the fair to Bennett for the first time. Gary Leonard, Chair of the Chatham County Board of Education and a former Bennett student and teacher, asked CEF to consider bringing Books on Break to the rural Chatham County school because many Bennett students do not have easy access to books over the summer.
CEF obliged, and Gary, who has volunteered at many Books on Break events over the years, was on hand to help set up the fair, assist students as they “shopped” for books, and pack up afterward. His wife, Debra, also volunteered, as did Gary’s daughter, Erin McGowan, Bennett’s PTA President and mother of three Bennett students.
To finance the fair at Bennett, CEF held a fundraiser in honor of Gary’s retirement from the BOE. When he steps down in November, Gary will have served 16 years on the board, following his 40-year career as a teacher and coach for Chatham County Schools. The fundraiser exceeded its $2,500 goal, making it possible to bring the fair to Bennett for the first time.
“We weren’t surprised that the community rallied around this effort,” said Brittany Sandefur, CEF’s Executive Director. “Gary’s dedication to Chatham County Schools has always centered on students, and bringing Books on Break to Bennett felt like a fitting tribute to his years of service.”
Unbeknownst to Gary, who was simply volunteering at the fair, CEF staff organized a surprise celebration to present Gary with a certificate of honor for his outstanding service to Chatham County Schools and his longstanding partnership with CEF. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson and several Central Services staff members joined in the celebration. And, of course, the presence of Gary’s grandchildren made it all the more special.
Bennett Principal Dr. Carla Neal was in on the surprise and had all the school’s students sign a frame that surrounded the certificate. “The students were so excited to be a part of the surprise,” Principal Neal said. “We appreciate everything that Mr. Leonard’s done for our school, including advocating for and supporting positive initiatives that directly impact our children. Even though he is retiring from the school board, we look forward to continuing our relationship with Mr. Leonard as a grandparent of Nora, Maeve, and Henry. While his role may change, the value of his service will continue.”
Books on Break began at two schools in 2016. This year, the program served eight schools, the Nature Trail Community, and three additional NCPre-Ks. Pre-K through 1st grade students get to select five books each while 2nd through 3rd grade students get to select four books each to take home and keep forever. All books are brand-new and include high-interest fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, bilingual titles, and magazines. The program helps combat summer learning loss and encourages a lifelong love of reading by putting books students want to read directly into their hands.
With family members volunteering side by side, students helping surprise a beloved community leader, and supporters rallying to fund the fair, the Bennett Books on Break event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support its children.
