Reading Champions Students Honored at Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich

On Wednesday May 23, volunteers who work with young students involved in the Reading Champions program were honored at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Organized by the Greenwich United Way in conjunction with Greenwich Public Schools, students are paired with a tutor to work one-on-one on fluency and literacy skills.

The program expands to all Greenwich elementary schools, the YWCA of Greenwich, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich and the after-school program at Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center (BANC).

Bobby Walker, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, a former teacher himself, said the correlation between those who read well and success is strong, “It carries through their entire lives and all subjects in school. Thanks to the United Way students are provided with reading material and a tutor,” he said.

Joan Lowe, the founder of Reading Champions explained that, “The kids come here to practice their reading and it improves, fostering growth and love for books.”

Walker mentioned, “She is here over the summer and over breaks,” referring to Lowe. “The love she shares is one of the reasons it is so successful.”

Going on 10 years, Reading Champions started with 8 volunteers and 24 students, now hosting 110 tutors and 450 students. Lowe’s love is evident in the growth of Reading Champions.

At the ceremony young readers were presented a medal and summer reading book by their tutor.

Each tutor shared sweet anecdotes about their student from the kinds of books they enjoy to the types of words that challenged them.

The students excitement and appreciation for their tutor was evident, as each were beaming with smiles accepting their medals. Congratulations to the students (keep reading!) and thank you to all the tutors and volunteers involved!

Reading Champions is always looking for more volunteers if you are interested in becoming a reading tutor apply here: https://greenwichunitedway.org/organization/united-way-reading-champions/

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