2023 - First Quarter Impact Report
SOAR’s Achievements
Stats starting January 1, 2023
Our students have read a combined total of 131,328 minutes
We established 17 new cohorts
We threw 12 “unlocking” celebrations
We served 542 kids
Our students have completed over 150 levels of FLiP
The most minutes read by 1 student is awarded to Isaiah B, at 6,046 minutes!
The most levels completed by 1 student is awarded to Isaiah B, with 6 levels!
Success Stories
D'ArtagnanWhen D'Artagnan joined FLiP, he was reading at a level below his peers; his reluctance to read out loud was evident. With the support of his mother and the program, D'Artagnan began to make progress. In total, he logged 1208 reading minutes, passed 45 quizzes, and completed two levels of the program. Feeling proud and equipped with new confidence, he even volunteered to read at the Jamerson celebration. D'Artagnan’s mother, who had witnessed her son's struggles with reading, couldn't have been more pleased with his progress and could be seen filming her son at the celebration as he read out loud. D'Artagnan is now reading at grade level and is excited to continue his journey with reading.
Gotham and AlaniRecently Gotham T’s grandmother expressed her enthusiasm and admiration for the FLiP program. As a first-hand witness to the impact on her grandson, she praised the program and said, "It’s a fabulous program, and it needs to go nationwide!" She cheered the loudest when Gotham T rushed up to receive his certificate that recognized his 1547 minutes read. "Gotham could only read a few letters when he started; now he's spelling out the names of places we go by as we drive. He received two reading awards from school, plus read an AA-level story to me!" But the celebration wasn't over yet as her granddaughter, Alani W., was also called up to receive her certificate. Alani also received recognition as her group’s top reader, with 2118 minutes logged.
IsaiahIsaiah, a young student with dreams of becoming a professional athlete, understood that he needed to improve his reading skills to succeed later in life. When he joined the program, he received from his FLiP coach and his family the encouragement and support he needed to persevere. He tracked progress and celebrated his successes, which helped him build the confidence to keep pushing forward. At the end of the program, it was evident his hard work had paid off. He is now the record holder for the most minutes read in the program’s history - an astonishing 6046 minutes! Isaiah loved the program so much that he even asked about volunteering with Sing Out and Read stating, "I know the whole program, and I think I can help make it even better!" We can't wait to see what he accomplishes next.
Whitney M. Young Jr. Empowerment Luncheon
Highlighting Heroes Who Empower Communities Through EducationOn February 17th, we attended the Whitney M. Young Jr. Empowerment Luncheon and we received the Reverend Watson L. Haynes, II Scholarship in the amount of $5,000 to “Benefit the Students of SOAR.”
Board Members Meeting
Our Board Members are as committed as ever to finding a solution to ending illiteracy in their hometowns. During our last meeting they insisted on having the student experience with the Tune Into Reading program so they could better understand how the program operates. They had so much fun exploring the different songs and even started competing to see who could get the most gold stars. We know that closing the reading gap is a big undertaking but SOAR has hit the ground running in 2023 to make updates to the songs, refining the FLiP program, and ensuring we reach as many struggling readers as possible.
Seated Left to Right: Nick Griffin, Jeff Hearn, Trish Messina, Larry Butler, Linda Marcelli, Diane Egner // White Shirt in Right Pic: Steve Seibert
