June 2018 News

For the first time ever, the United Way of Delaware County encountered a student volunteer who was so truly exemplary they decided to create a Student Volunteer of the Year Award. Graduating senior, Caitlin Daub, was named the recipient of the inaugural award.

Even though all of her required hours for community service through the Academy were complete, Caitlin continued to serve Muncie Community schoolchildren through Reading Clubs run by United Way. “She was consistent, patient, and very kind to the struggling readers with whom she worked,” said Jenny Marsh, President and CEO of the United Way of Delaware county. “She provided outstanding leadership to the program helping to encourage and lead her peers as well.”

Caitlin was recognized following graduation on Saturday, May 26 for her exemplary service to United Way’s Reading Club which helps struggling 3rd grade readers. According to the United Way, the ability to read at grade level by the end of third grade is the single greatest predictor of a child’s success in school and life. Children failing to do so are four-times more likely to drop out of high school and thirteen times more likely to drop out of school if they live in low income households. The schools where Caitlin volunteered had 93% of their students on free and reduced lunch.