Student Discovers Love of Books

Jay now enjoys reading thanks to Read to Succeed

Jay never liked to read. His mom and dad tried everything to get him to pick up a book — taking him to the library, leaving reading material in the bathroom, paying him a quarter for each book he read. Nothing worked.  So when a lady at church encouraged Jay’s mom to enroll him in Read to Succeed, she gave it a try. Read to Succeed matches children who struggle with reading with adult volunteers who read one-on-one with them once a week.

The program, which is carried out in churches across Lexington, also offers a group club time, where the kids share Bible stories, songs, crafts and a snack.  One of the things Jay liked best about Read to Succeed was the wide array of books that were available. Although he didn’t have much interest in fictional stories, he discovered that he really enjoyed books about science and nature. One book at a time, Jay began building his reading skills and his confidence.

One day, Jay hopes to be a cook in a restaurant. Or work with tigers in a zoo.  He still has plenty of time to decide.  The important thing is that, now, the possibilities are endless.