What’s Right With Our Schools: Pulaski County Youth Leadership

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Young leaders are doing their part to see middle Georgia’s literacy level increase.

Dozens of students from home, public and private schools partnered with a local doctor’s office to read to kids before their check-ups.

Middle Georgia Pediatric Association Pediatrician Sandra Kopacz appreciates teens reading to her patients.

“If schools and doctors work together when the child is born to educate them about their physical health and their mental health, then you raise a healthier population,” says Kopacz. 

Jannah Brown,17, reads to kids at least once a week.

“Hey guys! How are ya’ll doing today? Are ya’ll ready to hear a fun story?”

Brown teaches the kids a valuable lesson she learned when she was in kindergarten: the art of becoming a good reader.

“I think just seeing the kids face light up whenever you read a funny book to them or if they’re enjoying the story,” Brown says, “That’s just awesome for me.”

Charley Moore,6, enjoys reading picture books with her parents. At the doctor’s office, she gets a chance to take home a book after a youth leader reads it to her, so she can add it to her collection. 

Her two younger brothers, James and Tripp, are learning to read more.

“We have to instill the values in them before they even ever go to Pre-K,” says Brown.

Hawkinsville High School Senior, Sylandi Brown, wants to be a teacher after she attends college.

She believes reading to kids creates a purpose for young adults in the community.

“It’s helping teens just have an active voice and have a part in our community, which is so important to me.”

So far, more than 323 books have been donated from hosting book drives at local middle and high schools.

“We try to encourage it as part of their well child check, but I have to admit when a child is really upset, I may sneak him [or her] a book,” says Kopacz.

Kopacz adds hearing more words will improve the kids reading skills.

“This is a pivotal time in their lives to just learn more about reading, and to just develop that love of reading,” says Brown.             

It’s a skill needed at any age.

Jannah Brown says, “If we can start now, it’s going to prepare them for the rest of their lives.”

The Pulaski County Youth Leadership Class is currently taking applications. To learn more information, visit the main website.