VOLUNTEER SPENDS 20 YEARS READING

Loreen Gladish has spent nearly 20 years helping students at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School become better readers.

"It was one of my retirement goals," Gladish said. "I heard about it at a Church Women United meeting and decided it was something I wanted to do."

She works with Wylene White, ninth-grade reading teacher at the junior high.

"She really has made a difference in a lot of young people's lives," White said.

Gladish volunteers once a week for 50 minutes. During that time she works with two students, one at a time. Gladish calls the students her girls and boys.

"My girl is just a lovely girl," Gladish said. "And my boy, he is terrific."

She sits with the students, listens to them read, helps them with vocabulary words and offers lots of encouragement.

"I find it very interesting," Gladish said. "And if you make a little difference in any child's life, that's what matters."

And over the years, she has seen lots of success in her boys and girls.

"One of my boys got a college degree," Gladish said. "That made me feel really good."

White said Gladish is very patient and develops a good rapport with the students. Often the students Gladish works with are learning English as a second language. A little one-on-one attention often makes a big difference for these students.

Gladish also enjoys traveling. She brings her experiences back to the classroom to share with the students.

"She has such a sweet friendly smile," White said. "She's a delight."