At Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps, we’re constantly amazed by the dedication and passion demonstrated by each and every one of our tutors. Community-driven people from all across Minnesota volunteer a year (or more!) of their lives to inspire and encourage students to build the skills and confidence for a brighter future. We’re so incredibly grateful!
This August, as we celebrated Reading Corps’ 15th year and Math Corps’ 10th year, we also recognized some of the amazing alumni who have taken this dedication to service and extended it beyond our programs and into their day-to-day lives. The first ever Alumni Spirit of Service Awards were presented to three such alum during Institute on August 14th.
Both Reading Corps and Math Corps alumni who had completed their service during the 17-18 school year or earlier were eligible, with winners chosen based on continued service after Reading Corps and Math Corps and their passion and dedication to making a difference. Whether it was continued involvement in a school, volunteering to help communities across the globe, or writing children’s books to foster a love for reading, these alumni have made service an essential part of their lives and work. In addition to the award certificate, winners also received new alumni jackets.
We know that the desire to give back doesn’t end after your AmeriCorps service, and we hope that these stories will help inspire you to continue to get involved in your community and make a difference for those in need. We are excited to launch this tradition and look forward to celebrating more honorees as part of October and January Institutes!
Mary Borrell
“I think it’s really powerful to have those years or whatever time period just to give back.”
Mary served for two years as a Reading Corps tutor at Vista View Elementary in Burnsville. During her service she pursued a master’s degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders at St. Thomas University. She was subsequently hired on at Vista View Elementary where she now works with children on the autism spectrum. In addition to supporting incoming tutors to Vista View, Mary is also involved with Girls on the Run and serves on the Cultural Proficiency Team for ISD 191.
Sarah Warren
“It’s service to others but also an incredible opportunity to grow as a professional.”
An experienced early childhood educator, Sarah served for two years as a PreK tutor and two years as a Family Child Care tutor. After completing her fourth term of service in 2016, Sarah has continued to be a champion for literacy in Minneapolis. She leads teacher trainings, workshops for teens and local story hours for families. Her book Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers has been recognized by The Amelia Bloomer Book List and has also been featured on amightygirl.com.
Lindsay Taute
“There is no sense in doing what we’re doing unless it impacts a person’s life.”
Lindsay served as a Math Corps tutor in 2009 at North Junior High School in St. Cloud. Her service with Math Corps was a gap year before beginning medical school at the University of Minnesota. She has participated in a month-long medical mission to Haiti, is credited on multiple case reports and studies, and recently presented at the American Academy of Pathologist’s Assistants annual meeting in Oregon. She continues to invest in her community and now practices medicine in New Mexico.