Read to Succeed helps develop youth reading skills

WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ) – Youngsters at the First Baptist Church in Winchester are hitting the books.

Tom Schoolmaster spends an hour each Monday volunteering as a mentor with “Read to Succeed,” a program that helps develop reading skills.

“We’re giving these kids an opportunity beyond school to not only learn to read better, but learn to relate better to older adults. So it’s a win win for everybody,” said Schoolmaster.

Third grader Havikha Anderson is one of the young students in the program. She enjoys working with her mentor.

“She’s funny and she’s nice,” said Anderson.

The hour of work includes three sessions: word study, faith time, and a reading roundup with the mentor and student.

“It’s important for us as a church because it’s our way of giving back to the community. We are the community’s church and we don’t want to just be a church that sits in the community and not reach out and work with the community,” said Rhea Patton, Director of Ministry at First Baptist Church.