Great-Grandson Instills Love of Volunteering in Grandmother
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Great-Grandson Instills Love of Volunteering in Grandmother

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June 15, 2016

Written by Sara Blackburn, United Way Intern

Jacquelyn Hall-Lawrence still remembers the moment she fell in love with reading. “I was 2 ½. I remember reading 100 books in order to become a member of the Billy the Bookworm Club,” she said. 

Today, it’s evident she passed on that passion to her 10-year old great-grandson Kynyel. “He loves reading about Greek mythology, black scientists and inventors,” she said.  Ms. Hall-Lawrence says her grandson’s reading abilities go beyond his years, prompting his teachers to give Kynyel advanced schoolwork and permission to tutor his peers in the classroom. 

Ms. Hall-Lawrence feels incredibly proud of how far her great-grandson has come in such a short span of time.  Not only is he an outstanding student, he is involved in sports, loves board games, and enjoys spending time with his family, especially his great-grandma. “I love the way [he] carries himself,” she said. 

Kynyel once told his great-grandmother he believes all children should be given the opportunity to learn to read. His positive outlook on education has even motivated Ms. Hall-Lawrence to volunteer.  She says once she retires, she plans to become a tutor within the Milwaukee Public Schools district to help other students’ improve their reading skills. 

“I want to be just like Kynyel when I grow up,” she said.

What’s your moment? 

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About the Blogger

Sara Blackburn is the Brand Journalist Intern at United Way and a graduate student at Arizona State University. Sara enjoys writing stories of the programs and people making a positive impact on our community.


 

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