Team Read Volunteers Honored for Outstanding Service in Kennewick Schools

On Thursday, May 29th, the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) honored the 123 dedicated volunteers who served in the 2024/2025 Team Read program at a volunteer appreciation event held at the KSD Administration Building.

Throughout the school year, these trained volunteers provided an incredible 5,194 tutoring hours to 453 students across 10 elementary schools, supporting kindergarten through 3rd grade students in building critical early reading skills.

The evening featured remarks from Dr. Traci Pierce, KSD Superintendent; Jared Lind, KSD Director of Elementary Education; and Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC, who celebrated the volunteers’ impact and commitment to educational equity.

“Team Read volunteer's time, patience, and passion have made a lasting impact on our students. Because of their commitment, students were seen, supported, and empowered to believe in their full potential.  Our tutors build meaningful relationships with their students to give them confidence that they can and will be able to read.  We are so grateful and appreciate their dedication to our Team Read program and to our community.” Says Erin Lee, Educational Programs Director, CRFMC.

Team Read is a one-on-one tutoring program that trains and places volunteers in local classrooms to help young readers develop phonics, reading, comprehension, fluency and confidence—laying the foundation for lifelong learning. The partnership between CRFMC and KSD continues to demonstrate the power of community involvement in accelerating early literacy outcomes.

For more information about Team Read or how to get involved, visit www.read20minutes.com.