Charmane (Johnson) Echols (B.S.’77, Elementary Education; M.A.’82, Reading; Specialist’85, Educational Leadership) is an educator who decided to create a character named Kimberlite because she saw a need in students who were exhibiting low self-esteem.
“In My Own Shoes: The Adventures of Kimberlite” follows a young girl searching for the amazing “true diamond.” Although she encounters numerous obstacles along the way, she never gives up on her search.
“I started a career in education because my father was a teacher and I loved helping him get lessons together and listening to him teach,” Echols said. “The most fulfilling thing about my work is the ability to help others to reach their goals.”
Her book was recently selected by the Arts & Humanities Jury of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International to be published in the DKG Gallery of Fine Arts.
Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honor society for women educators with more than 76,000 members. Its mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. The online gallery features works of art and letters.
“I am so honored to have my book at the Duggar Gallery,” Echols said. “It means that hard work truly does pay off.”
Once published in the gallery, works are displayed for six months before being archived. The Adventures of Kimberlite will appear at dkg.org in May.
“In My Own Shoes: The Adventures of Kimberlite” can be found through online booksellers.