The difference that RISE Augusta makes – A student story.

One of our RISE tutors recently shared a remarkable story about a student who could not read and was very shy and withdrawn at the beginning of the school year, has blossomed.  Her love for reading and her success since entering the program has sparked a powerful transformation.

During a special "Book-Give-Away Day," third graders eagerly exchanged books with friends. But Shontelle, a gentle and reserved child, chose to do something unexpected. With quiet determination, she asked if she could read her book aloud. This might seem ordinary—except Shontelle never spoke. Until that day, she had always been incredibly quiet, only responding when directly addressed.

Yet here she was, standing before her peers, reading with clarity, confidence, and joy. It was a moment of breakthrough—a testament to her journey with RISE. Through reading, she had found her voice. And on that day, she chose to share it.

What a gift to witness the power of literacy not just to teach, but to transform.