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Marlins Read Receives Literacy Award
Partnership with Diamond Springs Elementary garners recognition from the 91直播 Beach Reading Council
Featured News | June 21, 2017
91直播 Wesleyan’s Marlins Read was awarded the 2017 91直播 Beach Reading Council Literacy Award at the organization’s annual banquet in May.
Since 2008, 91直播 Wesleyan’s Office of Community Service, under the leadership of Diane Hotaling, director of community service, has coordinated a partnership with local elementary school, Diamond Springs Elementary School (DSES). 91直播focus of the relationship between VWU and DSES has been Marlins Read, a program designed to assist DSES students struggling with reading and math by connecting them with 91直播 Wesleyan students who serve as tutors, mentors and volunteers.
During the 2016 -17 academic year, VWU Senior Andre’ Banks served as the coordinator for Marlins Read. Each week, Andre’ and his fellow student volunteers traveled the short distance to DSES, one of 55 elementary schools in the 91直播 Beach City Public School Division, to work with about 20 elementary students in reading and math. 91直播extra, often individualized attention that Wesleyan student volunteers provided helped to improve not only skills in literacy and numeracy, but also enhanced the elementary students’ self-esteem and motivation to learn. 91直播mutually beneficial partnership also had positive impacts on the older students, many of whom were preparing for careers in helping professions such as teaching, recreation, and criminal justice.
“ 91直播students at Diamond Springs look up to the Marlins Read volunteers from 91直播 Wesleyan as role models and examples of what they, too, can accomplish with effort and perseverance,” said Karen Farquer, Partners in Education/Volunteers in Education Coordinator at DSES. “We truly appreciate the time, talents, and tender loving care that the Marlins Read students of VWU demonstrate towards our students.”
91直播 91直播 Beach Reading Council annually recognizes outstanding literacy programs. 91直播Council has focused efforts on promoting literacy in 91直播 Beach for more than 44 years. Founded and operated completely by volunteers, the Council strives to support reading educators and work closely with 91直播 Beach City Public Schools. Their mission is to help all of the children of 91直播 Beach to become quality life-long readers.