High school Book Buddies volunteer Sierra Perkinson, right, works with third-grader Ronan Humes. The program pairs volunteer mentors with students to improve reading and comprehension skills.
Photo provided
Editor’s note: Following is an article on the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s Book Buddies program written by Sierra Perkinson of Columbus East High School as part of her senior project.
By Sierra Perkinson
For The Republic
Book Buddies, a one-on-one reading program at every Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. elementary school, has been helping second- and third-graders grow in their reading for the past 18 years. Along with educational games and activities, kids also read two books each day with their volunteer as they improve and “level up” in their reading fluency and comprehension.
In order to help these students, however, Book Buddies needs volunteers who are willing to read with students throughout BCSC. Larry Calfee, who volunteers at Schmitt Elementary, can attest to what a wonderful experience participating in the program can be for volunteers and students.
Calfee, who has volunteered at Schmitt for five years, loves working with the students. However, he was reluctant at first to sign up.
“I had no interest (in volunteering) … I didn’t pay attention to it,” Calfee said. “My daughter Julie …said ‘You need to go sign up for Book Buddies.’ She dropped off the application and kind of demanded I do it. So I did.”
Since becoming a Book Buddy, Calfee has come to love the program and believes he learns more than the kids do at times. Not only have the students provided an amazing experience for him, but also the adults and other volunteers involved in the organization.
“… The people here are just nice. For an old guy to walk down the hall and somebody says ‘Hi,’ it makes me feel at home,” Calfee said.
Calfee has also had encounters outside of Book Buddies where students were excited to see him, going to show how students see their volunteer as a friend rather than just a reading partner.
“The kids were all playing on equipment there [Donner Park] … and he [Calfee’s Book Buddy] saw me coming. He said, ‘That’s Larry!’ And he introduced me to all his family,” Calfee said.
Encounters such as these only demonstrate the impact that volunteers have on the students that are a part of the Book Buddies program, and how this continues to positively influence students as they grow.
Book Buddies encourages those who are interested in volunteering to reach out, as help is always needed. Every BCSC elementary school has a wait list of students who could join the program if more volunteers were available.
“They’re always looking for more volunteers because I think if they had more volunteers, they would include more students,” Calfee said.
Those who are interested in volunteering can call (812) 376-4461 or email the program at [email protected] for more information.
