On October 9, Imagine Andrews Public Charter School located on Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the Bakke Family Legacy Library. The event honored Imagine Schools co-founders Dennis and Eileen Bakke, whose generosity and vision continue to inspire a lifelong love of reading across Imagine Schools.
The Bakke Family Legacy Library represents a $1 million investment over five years to strengthen reading growth and inspire a passion for books across Imagine Schools. Imagine Andrews is among ten Imagine schools selected to receive this year’s gift, which includes curated classroom library sets with 3,676 books designed to enrich student learning and spark imagination.
The celebration began with a school tour, followed by a heartfelt ceremony featuring student readings, remarks, and the official ribbon cutting led by Principal Howard Doug Rice and Mrs. Bakke.
Mr. Howard Doug Rice, Principal of Imagine Andrews, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“On behalf of the Imagine Andrews staff and leadership, we are elated to have been chosen for this rich opportunity for our scholars. This donation from the Bakke Family will enhance the love of reading for all children that attend Imagine Andrews and those who will attend in the future.”
Mr. Shawn Toler, Executive Vice President of Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region, reflected on the lasting impact of the Bakke family’s generosity:
“I would like to celebrate and thank our founder, Eileen Bakke, for her love and commitment to our scholars. Her dedication to fostering a love of reading and making it possible for each of them to experience new doors of opportunity through reading will forever impact their lives positively. Reading unlocks so many doors for every scholar and their families.”
In her remarks, Eileen Bakke shared her own lifelong connection to books:
“When I was young, I was a voracious reader. Even though I grew up in a small town in South Carolina and rarely left the state, I got to travel—to Egypt, Europe, and even the South Pole. I met Shakespeare and Cleopatra, and witnessed the Civil War and World War I—all through books. I even glimpsed what the future might hold. I’m so happy that we can have these classroom libraries so teachers can help students unfold their worlds, gifts, and talents through reading. These books will plant seeds that will grow into a beautiful harvest in the lives of our scholars.”
The ceremony concluded with the ribbon cutting, photos, and light refreshments.