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.