Story contributed by Linda Carter, Alaska Job Corps Center Academic Supervisor

On the frosty morning of March 2, Deb Lundy set out to Peter’s Creek Elementary School with three Alaska Job Corps student volunteers for Read Across America. They arrived at the school at 9:30 in the morning and were each directed to a number of classrooms where children eagerly awaited their turn to have Dr. Seuss stories read to them. The students read well, dressed professionally and treated the children with kindness and respect. In return the school invited them to come back any time. It was rewarding for the Job Corps readers to the extent that several readers asked if this could be a regular community outreach event, they suggested that it occur monthly as a readers club. Ironically, that is exactly what the reading to lead program is designed to do, create reader groups that help the younger generations discover the joy and wonder of reading by sharing stories with them. These volunteer students found the meaning of the program experientially! Kudos to Jolene Kopanuk, Aga Thompson, Simone Pushruk, and Deb Lundy their reading leader.

            Seven Job Corps Students volunteered to read on March 2, 2017 for the elementary students at Swanson Elementary school, unfortunately only six were able to fit in the van, and one had to stay behind. Tyler Thomas, Travis Chunak, Hanna Denton, Agnes Thompson, Regina Fancyboy (who stayed behind), Joshua Weeks and Aaron Kirby all volunteered to share Dr. Seuss books with the students at Swanson Elementary School for Read Across America Day. High Winds with below zero chill factors did not deter them, they happily practiced reading at 8:15, loaded into the van at 9:20, and were off to read. Swanson staff greeted the students warmly and separated them into teams to go to separate classrooms where they would read to several groups of students throughout the morning. Josh and Aaron read to two kindergarten classes, and raptly held the five year olds with their stories, questions and group participation. The teams rewarded their listeners with little prizes for children that were able to answer questions about the stories after they were read. It was amazing to see these very young children paying complete attention and participating in the reading with Job Corps Students. Swanson went so far as to buy a subway lunch for our readers, complementing them on the reading expression, kindness and professionalism with the young children and suggestions of careers in education and offers of Swanson as a possible work base site for office and accounting students in the office. The students were invigorated and excited by the welcome they received, the appreciation of the children, and the joy of having shared the love and importance of reading.

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The Alaska Job Corps Center is a federally funded career training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and managed by Chugach Educational Services, Inc. The Center is committed to providing the highest quality programs for young adults by offering instructions in academics, trades and life skills through innovative methods that respond to the unique individual and group needs of today’s youth.