Craig and his wife Mary joined SAYL in fall of 2012 as Reading Buddies at WW White Elementary.  It was an immediate connection for Craig.  He was a loyal advocate for his students, consistent in his weekly attendance, and always available for a project above and beyond.  Second only to his passion for helping our students excel is his passion for involving more caring adults as volunteers.  Craig just recently recruited a group from Colonial Hills UMC to partner with one of our new schools, Colonial Hills Elementary.  Last month SAYL trained 17 new Reading Buddies, all of whom where there because Craig shared his passion with each one individually.  That's 34 students at Colonial Hills Elementary who will have a Reading Buddy because of Craig Bell.  And he's not done!  We know he believes these 17 people are just a start.  It is a joy to work with someone who shares our dreams and knows what the children in our city can do with a little help from an adult who cares.  Craig is the adult who cares, and he cares enough to encourage others to join us.  He tells each one of the potential volunteers, "You're going to thank me for this."  Craig, we at SAYL would like to say thank you to you for your commitment to our schools and our students.

Our Site Director of the Month is Jeanette Barrera, Librarian at Mission Academy. While Ms. Barrera is not new to our program, this will be her first year as a Site Director. Even though this is her first year, Ms. Barrera has already gone above and beyond her role. She has made our program one of her priorities by ensuring all other schools staff know when our Reading Buddies will be coming each day. She has also always made herself available to welcome the Reading Buddies to the school and help them find their students, wherever they may be. She has been a huge help to the SAYL staff by taking on some of their work load as well. Besides being an amazing Site Director, Ms. Barrera is humble as well; when she received her certificate of praise, she replied with a smile, "I'm just doing my job."

A special thank you goes to Tesoro for hosting a fundraiser in observance of National Literacy Month and designating San Antonio Youth Literacy as the beneficiary of the funds raised.  A grand total of $3,755 in donations was raised during this event.  Tesoro employees - you rock!

SAYL is also very pleased to announce that a grant from the Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation has been awarded in the amount of $5,000.  This Foundation was founded in 1988 to support the education of children and young adults and the provision of special educational opportunities for young persons otherwise unable to afford them.

A huge THANK YOU is extended to both these organizations.  SAYL sincerely appreciates the support shown by you both.