Congratulations to our Reading Buddy of the Month Katie Bridenbaugh. She first heard about our program after an SAYL representative made a presentation during a Sunday worship she attended. She loved the idea of working with the children in the school district where her children were, and since then has been with us for 4 years. Katie is a very positive and patient Reading Buddy who takes into consideration the likes and dislikes of each student she has served. When asked why she feels it is important to read to children she says “Reading is such an important life skill. Whether its email, cookbooks, road signs, pleasure reading….reading is a base requirement for success not only in school but later in life as well. If we start reading to children early in life, hopefully they will see the importance and continue down the path to read on their own.” 

Each child Katie has worked with has had their own challenges. But the struggles she encountered were accompanied by success stories. From a student of hers remembering a word, or moving up a reading level, and even a student wanting to bring their own book. It’s the many victories and the smiles on their faces that amazes Katie. We thank you, Katie, for your years of dedication and here’s hoping for many more to come.