Students from Pell City High School Key Club joined Pell City Kiwanis Club members for Reading is Fundamental, volunteering their time and part of their school day to read to students at St. Clair County Head Start. 

“These kids do remember,” Bill Scott with Pell City Kiwanis said. “It does have a great effect on our community.” 

According to Scott, Kiwanis and Key Club have been participating in Reading is Fundamental, reading stories at least three times a year for over 20 years. Scott estimated that they group has read around 18,000 times and donated over $7000 in books over the years. 

At the end of the reading session, where students read several books, the books are left for students to take home or use in the classroom.

“We like to remind the kids that learning to read is important,” Scott said. “If you can learn three things in education, you can do anything you want to do. It affects you for a lifetime.”

Kyle Shelton, Key Club sponsor and PCHS teacher addressed the Key Club students, “You don’t understand the impact you can have. I was a Head Start kid. I remember high school students coming to read. I hope that you’re here to give these children something they might not have. You guys are making an impact. “

The St. Clair County Head Start program currently has 217 students, ages three to five. There are 80 students on the waiting list. 

“We really appreciate you guys coming out,” Tara White with Headstart said. “The kids get so excited to take their books home and show them off!”