PC READS honors McPolin literacy interventionist with 2026 award

PC READS honored McPolin Elementary School literacy interventionist Joanna Hammel with its 2026 Elevating Literacy Award during the organization’s Gin & Phonics fundraiser at Woodward Park City. Photo: PC READS

Joanna Hammel recognized for work supporting students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia

PARK CITY, Utah — PC READS has named Joanna Hammel, a literacy interventionist at McPolin Elementary School, the recipient of its 2026 Elevating Literacy Award.

The award was presented on April 24 during PC READS’ annual spring fundraiser, Gin & Phonics, at Woodward Park City. It honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia.

Hammel, known among colleagues as McPolin’s “literacy guru,” works with students who need additional reading support and helps teachers implement evidence-based literacy instruction. PC READS said Hammel has been instrumental in helping children build confidence and develop stronger reading skills.

Hammel was also one of PC READS’ first grant recipients, using the funding to attend the Wasatch Reading Summit. She later served on the Park City School District’s Dyslexia Initiative task force, a partnership that helped support structured literacy instruction in local schools.

The award was presented by Lindsay Wilson, Park City High School’s multitiered systems of support coordinator and a former PC READS employee. Wilson said Hammel helped her daughter overcome early struggles with reading.

“When our oldest daughter hit a wall in first grade, reading felt impossible — and then came Joanna,” Wilson said. “She didn’t just provide intervention; she built a bridge back to self-belief. By the end of that year, our daughter wasn’t just reading — she was reading for the sheer love of it. Joanna has a wonderful way of making learning feel exciting, and she leaves every child more confident than she found them.”

PC READS Executive Director Elissa Aten said Hammel’s commitment to professional development and student support made her a clear choice for the award.

“It was such a joy to celebrate Joanna with this award,” Aten said. “She pursues professional development with enthusiasm and gives so generously of her time and talent. We are thrilled to honor her with this award, recognizing her dedication to improving students’ lives through stronger reading skills.”

Each year, the Elevating Literacy Award recognizes service to students, families or the greater Park City community. Nominees are selected for work that supports PC READS’ mission to advocate for the recognition and education of dyslexic students.

Hammel’s nomination drew support from colleagues across McPolin, including first-grade teacher Lindsey Hemmesch.

“Officially, Joanna is the literacy interventionist — and unofficially, she’s the ultimate reading guru,” Hemmesch said. “She adjusts her schedule so every child’s needs are met, often eating lunch on the go. McPolin would not be McPolin without Joanna; we are all so fortunate to have her.”

PC READS is a Park City nonprofit that advocates for the recognition and education of dyslexic students. The organization promotes early identification of neurodiverse students who struggle with reading and supports effective reading interventions, classroom accommodations and resources for students, families and educators.