What a celebration! On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, we gathered at the Science History Institute to recognize four incredible Philadelphia elementary students who made remarkable strides in their reading this past school year. Educators, school leaders,
corporate champions, and community members came together to celebrate our students and the AmeriCorps tutors who support them every day.
We are deeply grateful to our keynote speaker, Principal Matt Menschner of the Philadelphia Charter School for Arts & Sciences, and to our tutor speakers — Patty Whalen, Jolene Small, Sara Rados, and Nasharie Stewart — who shared their hearts with the room and reminded all of us why this work matters.
And most of all, congratulations to this year’s Young Reader of the Year Award winners:
• Rahmeir Parker, 2nd Grade — Frances E. Willard Elementary School
• Hasib Banks, 2nd Grade — Philadelphia Charter School for Arts & Sciences
• Serenity Bailey-Lewis, 1st Grade — Mastery Clymer Elementary School
• Elijah Wall-Rosario, 1st Grade — Morton McMichael Elementary School
These students represent hours of hard work, joyful breakthroughs, and the impact daily tutoring can have on a child’s reading journey. Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, and helped make this year’s celebration possible.