Bill Cram and student Jaden Deathredge read together. It has been said that the greatest gift to give is the "gift of yourself." The REACH mentors who volunteer their time once a week to read with students at Killian Elementary know this first hand.

REACH (Readers Enthusiastic About Climbing Higher) is an academic mentoring program that pairs a student who needs help in reading with a community volunteer who wants to help a child become more successful in school.

Each year, Killian's REACH students have made significant gains not only on their test scores but also in non- academic areas such as in their attitude toward reading, self- confidence, and eagerness to learn.

This success is greatly due to the dedication of the nearly 100 business and community volunteers who give the "gift of time" to the students. Individuals, such as, retirees, parents, grandparents, college students, business persons, and members of various civic organizations volunteer in the REACH classroom on a weekly basis.

"When a student comes up to you and tells you that she has two grandmothers — one who reads to her at home and one who listens to her read at school, you know that you have connected with that child," says Jean Ward, a REACH volunteer.

For information or to become involved in the REACH Program at Killian, call Martha Tucker at 699- 2981 ext.71205. Killian Elementary is located at 2621 Clemson Road in northeast Columbia. Sessions operate during the school day Monday - Thursday.