Wesleyan students establish community partnership, reading to kids at Diamond Springs Elementary School.
By Katie Morris '09
Junior Brad Jones reads to six-year-old Jaylen every
Friday at Diamond Springs Elementary School.
Students at Virginia Wesleyan College are reaching out in the form of a new community service program.
The Marlins Read at Diamond Springs Elementary School, which began this fall, is a project that pairs Virginia Wesleyan students with elementary school students for one-on-one reading lessons.
Every Friday afternoon, Leon Spinner '11 from Lynchburg, Va., who created the program, shuttles students from the College to the elementary school. Majoring in political science and German, Spinner works in the Office of Community Service and is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
"Leon was instrumental in making this reading project happen," said Diane Hotaling, director of community service. "There's a magic that happens when a child looks up to a college student."
Brad Jones '10 from Philadelphia, Pa., has been with the program since it started in October. He reads to six-year-old Jaylen.
"I'm from Philadelphia and there are a lot of kids who don't have a mentor," said Jones, who is majoring in psychology and wants to work in a school system. "By reading and mentoring Jaylen, I'm establishing a relationship with a child at such a crucial age."
Hotaling said the most important aspect of the program is committed participation from Virginia Wesleyan students. Students take the reading seriously and attend every week.
Daniel Lewis 11 from Richmond, Va., is such a student.
When asked why he reads to the kids, Lewis quickly quipped, "This guy right here is my motivation," pointing to his reading buddy, six-year-old Samonte.
"The best part of the experience is having an impact on Samonte and knowing that I am providing a positive influence on the life of a young student."
- Sophomore Daniel Lewis "I have the best kid," Lewis said with a smile, adding that he feels like he has become a big brother to his student. "The best part of the experience is having an impact on Samonte and knowing that I am providing a positive influence on the life of a young student," he noted.
The project has been mutually beneficial for both the children and college students. The children receive help with their reading skills and have a mentor who they can rely on every week. In return, Virginia Wesleyan students give back to the local community and gain experience working with kids, a great practice for any student who wants to be a teacher.
Dominque Fowler '12 from Fredericksburg, Va., works with a child named James. Fowler said he has greatly enjoyed spending time and reading to James.
"I love it, and I love kids," he said. "I have a big passion for working with kids and this program."
For more information about the Marlins Read at Diamond Springs Elementary Program, contact Leon Spinner at ltspinner@vwc.edu or Diane Hotaling in the Office of Community Service at 757.455.3216 or dhotaling@vwc.edu.
12.17.08