Famous Amos founder is keynote speaker

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr., founder of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies, will be the keynote speaker at the Eighth Annual Parent Title I Conference: Empowering Life through Literacy from 8 a.m. to noon April 25 at Stambaugh Auditorium.

The conference is free to the public, but because of limited seating, only those who have pre-registered will be admitted to the conference. Early registration is recommended. After the conference, Amos will visit Martin Luther King Elementary School from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and Williamson Elementary School from 2:30 to 3 p.m., to read selected storybooks to students.

Best known for his chocolate chip cookie brand since 1979, Amos also has been a literacy advocate. He has hosted a television series, “Learn to Read,” which was designed to teach adults how to read, and written nine books. In addition, he has served as the national spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America and is on the boards of numerous literacy-focused organizations, including the National Center for Family Literacy and Communities in Schools.

His honors and awards include the President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Horatio Alger Award and the Outstanding Business Leader Award. His most recent venture Chip & Cookie, which features two plush chocolate chip cookie dolls, named “Chip” and “Cookie,” is the newest addition to his long line of entrepreneurial success stories.

For registration and conference information, contact Linda Hoey, District Parent Liaison, at 330-744-8776 or linda.hoey@youngstown.k12.oh.us.