ALTON - Special volunteers were recognized for their service to the Alton Community Unit School District #11.
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During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Superintendent Elaine Kane took a few minutes to share information about the district’s Reach Out And Read (ROAR) program. This program pairs community members with students in the elementary schools in the mornings before class starts. Students read aloud to these volunteers to practice their reading skills.
“What’s different about ROAR is it’s not the volunteer reading to the children. It is the children reading to the volunteer, because we know to get better at doing something, you have to practice doing it,” Kane explained. “It just wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers. In December, we were visiting some of the ROAR programs, and we came upon three really special representatives of the volunteers who make ROAR possible.”
Volunteers Howard Colburn, Danny Gerdt, and Ed and Cathy Gray were recognized for their dedication to the ROAR program since the program’s inception 12 years ago. These volunteers come to the schools every week to listen to students read.
Kane said Colburn is “a fan favorite” of the students at Eunice Smith Elementary School.
“He gives the kids such encouragement. He is so kind. He’s such a great listener,” she added. “He's also come to teaching. He’s now giving reading skills and tips to the kids. I can listen to him over there teaching. I’d like to get him on staff, but his wife said no.”
Ed Gray, a retired administrator and Board of Education member, is currently volunteering at Gilson Brown Elementary alongside his wife, Cathy. Kane said the Grays have been a part of the ROAR program since its beginning.
“Ed is a retired administrator, a longtime district advocate, really well-known for his advocacy of the music program, but also a sincere advocate of ROAR,” Kane said. “Mr. Gray, there have been so many things to thank you for, but this is just yet another one, and we just appreciate you so much for helping to make this program possible.”
Gerdt has been a part of the Alton School District for 32 years. He volunteers through ROAR three times a week.
“Danny Gerdt helps to provide excellent conditions for teaching and learning at Lewis and Clark Elementary School,” Kane said. “[He is] dedicated to the kids. And thank goodness, because they come in looking for Danny and they want to read with him.”
All of these volunteers were applauded for their commitment to Alton’s kids. Kane thanked them for the time and energy they devote toward empowering students as readers and people.
“One of the things that the Board is committed to, that the district is committed to, is being connected with the community. When these volunteers come to the school, not only do they get an opportunity to sincerely make an impact on our readers, but they inspire our staff,” Kane added. “They make us, as educators, feel inspired.”
The ROAR program is always looking for additional volunteers. You can reach out to the Alton Community Unit School District #11 for more information.
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