Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate our amazing community of volunteers!
Please enjoy photos from our in-person celebration as well as a recording of the virtual event.
Welcome!
Thank you for joining Words Alive for our 15th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!
Here you will find your digital program, information about this year’s award recipients, giveaways, and more!
The Celebration Continues Tomorrow!
Join us on Thursday, April 25, between 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. for our first in-person Volunteer Appreciation event since the pandemic! Enjoy games, activities, and refreshments while mingling with other members of the Words Alive community at our permanent home: 770 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.
Please find more details and RSVP here.
Program Volunteer Awards
Words Alive is honored to recognize volunteers supporting our core programming for youth ages 0-18.
Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year: Luann Mathson
Luann Mathson, a bilingual Teaching Artist, has been inspiring young learners since 2022. An engineer by profession, Luann blends science and exploration into her literacy workshops. Residing in San Francisco, Luann, a first-generation college graduate, advocates for STEM accessibility for young people. Outside her career, she enjoys watercolor painting, running, reading, and traveling. Her passion surrounding literacy and STEM, embodies Words Alive's mission to ignite curiosity and learning in children and families. Congratulations, Luann, for being named the 2024 Words Alive Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year!
““Volunteering with Words Alive brings me so much joy to see kids genuinely fascinated and excited about the books we read together! Their unique creativity and imaginations bring fun and excitement to every story. It’s all about having fun, using your imagination, and sparking the joy of reading.””
Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year Award: Mercedes Santiago
““Upon retirement, I was recruited to join Words Alive by a friend who is just as passionate as I am to improve the literacy of students. Thanks to her encouragement, I’m pleased to be part of the Words Alive family. “”
Mercedes Santiago began volunteering with Words Alive in 2016 and is being recognized as our Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year. A retired school counselor, Mercedes brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work. Mercedes does an incredible job in the classroom, as the teachers specifically ask for her to come back to their classrooms year after year. Beyond her dedication to literacy, Mercedes enjoys gardening, exploring nature, and ushering for the Old Globe. When asked why Mercedes volunteers, she shares, "Each One Teach One," referencing an African-American proverb that highlights the importance of passing your knowledge and wisdom to another. Her journey from student to counselor has been shaped by the support of mentors and loved ones, driving her commitment to passing on the love of reading to the next generation. Congratulations, Mercedes, on being awarded Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year!
Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year Award: Meg Mandel
““I love to read, and being part of Words Alive gives me a chance to share that with others. By fostering a love of reading, Words Alive helps students build confidence, expand horizons, learn about new ideas, and make connections to their own lives.””
Meg Mandel’s journey with Words Alive began in 2015, and since then, she has been a consistent presence in our teen programming, particularly as the facilitator of our Adolescent Book Group at the Monarch School. Her dedication to the students and program, coupled with her thorough preparation for each session, makes her an integral part of the Adolescent Book Group team. Meg resides in La Jolla and serves as the director of development for Congregation Beth Israel. Her involvement in community initiatives, such as the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, reflects her passion for making a positive impact in San Diego. Meg's dedication and passion for literacy empowerment are truly commendable, and we are grateful for her invaluable contributions to Words Alive. Congratulations, Meg, for being recognized as our 2024 Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year!
Special Guest Author: Claude Jones
Are you ready to inspire a future leader? Grab your Astro the Monster book and let the journey begin! Click here to get started.
Claude Jones is the imaginative mind behind the Astro the Monster – Kids in Leadership book series, a collection designed to foster social and emotional learning, STEM education, and leadership skills in children. With captivating characters and engaging narratives, Claude empowers kids to navigate challenges while having fun. This series has found a fitting partnership with Words Alive, enriching their Read Aloud Program and inspiring young readers. A huge thank you to Claude Jones for his incredible creativity and dedication to empowering young minds through the Astro the Monster!
Explore further into the world of Astro and our partnership with Claude by checking out his website.
Engagement and Content Volunteer Awards
Our programming is only possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers working on curriculum development, data entry, social media, blog writing, translation, learning kits, and so much more!
Social Media Volunteer of the Year: Megan Tam
““I volunteer because I love reading and I want to help others grow a love for reading.””
Megan Tam is being recognized for her outstanding efforts in ensuring the global reach of Words Alive's stories, engaging over 6,000 supporters monthly. Megan's integral role in revitalizing Words Alive's TikTok platform showcases her diverse skills in communication management, content organization, and strategic planning. Her impact extends to educating Words Alive volunteers, supporters, and staff on the platform as well. Despite being a junior in high school, Megan finds time for sports, oil painting, volunteering at soup kitchens, and indulging in her love for F1 races and fantasy and romcom books. Alongside her role in the Social Media Squad, Megan also volunteers as a Page Turner. Congratulations, Megan, for being recognized as the Words Alive 2024 Social Media Volunteer of the Year!
Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year: Brian Fidler
Brian Fidler began volunteering with Words Alive in 2022, demonstrating exceptional dedication to mobilizing his community in support of youth literacy. This award celebrates Brian's remarkable commitment to dedicating his time, talent, and resources to raise awareness of our mission. Beyond spreading awareness and advocating for our programs, he actively fundraises on our behalf by activating his friends, family, and personal network. Brian is a consistent volunteer with the Adolescent Book Group and recently joined the Words Alive Board of Directors. Brian lives in San Diego and is a retired Episcopal priest, who taught and spent 38 years as a chaplain in various schools across the country. In addition to his work with Words Alive, Brian also spends a lot of his free time writing. Congratulations, Brian, for being recognized as our 2024 Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year!
““I started volunteering in the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) because of the Words Alive mission to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading. I continue to volunteer three years later because it makes a difference!””
Words Alive Weekly Warrior: Karen Miller
Karen Miller has been volunteering at our in-office Wild Book events since 2023. Her dedication to tasks as varied as packing backpacks, organizing curriculum, and sorting materials truly makes an impact on the high-quality learning materials we use with children and families. Karen enjoys the vibrant atmosphere at Words Alive, finding fulfillment in the camaraderie and productivity in our office. Her approach to book selection, based solely on titles, shows her unique perspective and adventurous spirit. Her favorite titles, chosen for their intriguing names, have led to surprising and insightful literary journeys. Karen always gets the job done. She is consistent, thorough, patient, and extremely knowledgeable about our best practices and our programs. Congratulations, Karen, on being recognized as the 2024 Words Alive Weekly Warrior!
““Children are my greatest love. At a gathering you’ll find me hanging with them or sitting at the kid table. With 25 years as a preschool teacher, I’ve lived the joys and challenges of working in the classroom and supporting families. Words Alive touches it all for me. children + teachers + reading = the perfect fit””
Office Hero of the Year: Cindy Bryant
““Developing a love for reading breeds curiosity and leads to an informed and rich adulthood.””
Cindy Bryant has been volunteering with the Words Alive team since 2022. She embodies dedication and adaptability, transitioning from juggling multiple responsibilities to specializing in office operations and inventory management. Beyond her professional contributions, Cindy's journey with Words Alive fuels her personal fulfillment, finding a sense of belonging post-retirement. Her passion for literature began in kindergarten when she won an award for reading the most books, sparking a lifelong pursuit to read every book in the public library. Cindy's role on the Words Alive team, as well as her unwavering commitment to literature and community, make her truly exceptional. Congratulations to Cindy Bryant, our 2024 Office Hero of the Year!
Page Turner of the Year: Cecilia Zhao
““Reading brought so much joy and amazement to me when I was a kid, and I’d love to help pass that to the next generation. To my surprise, reading with Words Alive continues to broaden my horizon and allows me to indulge in wonderful worlds one after another.””
Cecilia Zhao exemplifies dedication and passion. Despite her busy life as a life coach and professional at EY, Cecilia has been volunteering with us since 2022. In 2023, Cecilia contributed to our organization by reviewing over 15 titles and reading nearly 2,000 pages! Cecilia grew up in China and now resides in Canada, where she works on the learning and development team at EY. She brings a unique perspective to our program, sharing insights on books like The Moon Within by Aida Salazar, which allowed her to connect with her own identity and experiences. Cecilia's enthusiasm for reading extends beyond Words Alive; she's also a dedicated mom, dancer, musician, and hospice volunteer. Words Alive is deeply grateful for Cecilia's invaluable contributions to our Page Turners program and her dedication to literacy. Congratulations, Cecilia, on being recognized as our 2024 Page Turner of the Year!
Curriculum Writer of the Year: Helen Rigby
Helen Rigby is recognized as Word's Alive Curriculum Writer of the Year for her outstanding contributions in crafting more than 30 writing projects in 2023. This recognition highlights her involvement in fostering dynamic discussions among volunteers and students, as well as crafting guides for families and students that include craft instructions and discussion questions. Helen resides in California, where she works as a Behavior Technician specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children with disabilities. Outside of her work and volunteering, she enjoys nature walks, quality time with her parrot Tobie, and hobbies like scrapbooking and puzzles. Congratulations, Helen, for being recognized as the Words Alive 2024 Curriculum Writer of the Year!
““I volunteered with Words Alive because I have always loved reading and writing. Once I saw the opportunity to be an intern who wrote curriculum for the organization, I knew I had to apply since it combined not only my love of reading and writing, but my love of working with kids and helping them love reading as well!” ”
Curriculum Editor of the Year: Sreya R.
Sreya started volunteering with Words Alive in August 2023. From the start, she has been an invaluable asset to the team, ensuring our curriculum meets the highest standards. Despite being on the East Coast, Sreya’s dedication and meticulous attention to detail shine through in every project she undertakes. Throughout the past year, Sreya has taken on five editing projects, making significant contributions to our Read Aloud Program and Adolescent Book Group. We are immensely grateful for Sreya’s impactful service and congratulate her being named Words Alive 2024 Curriculum Editor of the Year!
Pictured: Sreya’s favorite book, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
Curriculum Designer of the Year: Vivian Lin
““I joined Words Alive when I was still a student in UCSD (back in 2020!). I really enjoy volunteering with the organization and am very proud to be a part of the large volunteer community with Words Alive!””
Vivian Lin is leading the charge in creating visually appealing and user-friendly curriculum guides for Words Alive. Since joining Words Alive in 2020, she has spearheaded the design team, enhancing program efficiency and accuracy. Vivian's expertise elevates training materials, ensuring quality and consistency. Vivian lives in Los Angeles but says her heart will always be in San Diego. Currently pursuing a master's in applied data science at University of Southern California, Vivian's commitment to excellence continues to shine as she balances her academic pursuits with volunteerism. Congratulations, Vivian, for being celebrated as Words Alive’s 2024 Curriculum Designer of the Year!
Curriculum Translator of the Year: Alinka Avendaño
““Working with Words Alive has been a fulfilling experience, I have met kind people and watching how they work with books, families and children has provided great lessons for me.””
Alinka Avendaño demonstrates exceptional commitment to Words Alive by translating resources into 10 languages beyond English, broadening access to literacy materials for diverse families across San Diego. Alinka set 2023’s record for curriculum translation by translating an incredible 17 projects! Her rapid and reliable turnaround on translation projects ensures the creation of high-quality materials, aligning with Words Alive's mission to promote literacy for all. Residing in Leon, Nicaragua, Alinka balances her role as a therapist and owner of Psychological Center ARIE with her dedication to translation work. Additionally, she serves as a brand ambassador for All Therapy Resources, further showcasing her passion for bridging language barriers in the field of therapy. Congratulations, Alinka, for being recognized as the Words Alive 2024 Curriculum Translator of the Year!
Organizational Awards
Every year, Words Alive recognizes volunteers and partners that have made significant contributions to our organization and mission.
Corporate Partner of the Year: Farmers Insurance
Words Alive is thrilled to recognize Farmers Insurance as our 2024 Corporate Partner of the Year. In the past year, Farmers Insurance has hosted Page Turners and Words of Inspiration projects, giving their employees the opportunity to review titles Words Alive is considering for classroom programming and writing inspirational letters for students. Altogether, over 500 Farmers Insurance employees supported Words Alive, contributing over 250 hours with an estimated value of over $8,400. We are immensely grateful for Farmers Insurance’s support and partnership!
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Amadeo Irlando-Wildman
““Growing up I always had access to books and I think that helped me a lot as I got older, so I wanted to give other kids the option to read as well.””
Amadeo Irlando-Wildman started volunteering with Words Alive in 2023. Since last summer, he's dedicated over 60 hours to volunteering at the Words Alive office and supporting special events. Amadeo's not just about numbers; he has also learned how to rapidly assemble boxes and enjoys working with other Words Alive volunteers. Originally from New Mexico, he's adapting to San Diego while finishing high school. Amadeo enjoys playing hockey and loves outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and fishing. His commitment to helping others makes him an essential part of the Words Alive volunteer community. Congratulations, Amadeo, for being celebrated as Words Alive’s 2024 Youth Volunteer of the Year!
Volunteer of the Year: Jane Hopkins
““Literacy is the key that unlocks the door to a better life for all. Through Words Alive, I can put that key in the hands of many.””
Jane Hopkins, a dedicated volunteer with Words Alive, is the 2024 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year. Jane's passion for literacy began early in her life. Her career as a bilingual reading specialist in San Diego exposed her to the power of storytelling and its profound effect on young minds. Her journey with volunteerism blossomed with Rolling Readers, where she not only shared stories in English and Spanish with elementary school students but also served on the Board of Directors, eventually becoming the Board Chair in 2009.
In 2014, Jane's path led her to Words Alive when it merged with Rolling Readers. Alongside her husband, Bruce, they became integral members of the Words Alive family. Their dedication was celebrated when they were jointly recognized as the Read Aloud Program Volunteers of the Year in 2014. Despite Bruce's passing in 2022, his commitment to service and learning lives on.
Today, Jane's impact resonates in classrooms at Burbank Elementary and Emerson Elementary, where she volunteers in eight classes. Her role extends beyond reading aloud; she serves as a site lead, ensuring smooth book deliveries and actively engaging new families in Words Alive's programs.
Jane's dedication goes beyond the classroom. She is also an incredible volunteer fundraiser, having raised nearly $20,000 over six years for Words Alive through the Champions for Youth campaign. Her ability to mobilize her community speaks volumes about her commitment to literacy in San Diego.
In honoring Jane, Words Alive extends a heartfelt thank you for her years of dedicated service. Her unwavering commitment to literacy has touched countless young lives, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Congratulations, Jane, on being honored as the 2024 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year!
Special Honorees
Congratulations to our President’s Volunteer Service Award Recipients
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award, based on a matrix of age/hours served, honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action as well.
Words Alive is proud to recognize 2023’s class of President’s Volunteer Service Recipients, who together contributed nearly 1,000 hours over the past year.
Cindy Bryant Silver Award, 293 hours
Daniel Golmohammadi Bronze Award, 135 hours
Alissa Lun Bronze Award, 100 hours
Morsal Mohammad Silver Award, 189 hours
Cassie Morrish Silver Award, 208 hours
Yu-Faye Yang Bronze Award, 55 hours
Giveaways!
Thanks to generous donors, we are excited to offer the following items to our volunteers as a token of our appreciation! Please click on the items below to enter your name. At the end of the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, we will randomly select a winner for each item - stay tuned to the end of the celebration to see if you were chosen! Please enter your name by 4:30pm for a chance to win!
Click image above for a chance to win tickets to a show!
Click image above for a chance to win a bundle of comic books!
Click image above for a chance to win a signed pin flag!
Click image above for a chance to win a signed hard copy book!
Click image above for a chance to win a signed hard copy book!
Thank you to our Champions for Youth Fundraisers
Words Alive was one of only five San Diego nonprofits selected to participate in 2023-2024 Champions for Youth, a fundraising competition hosted by the Century Club of San Diego and Farmers Insurance. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our fundraising team below, we raised over $112,000 to support our mission. Words Alive sincerely thanks everyone below who hosted a Champions for Youth fundraising page, as well as their network of 627 family and friends who donated to connect kids to the power of reading.
Meredith Baratz
Kandi Brennan
Celeste Brown
Kamie Cicinelli
Carolyn Collins
Sandy Connolly
Melinda Cooper
Kristina Cox
Tracy Dahlkamp
Brian Fidler
Nick Giordano
Robyn Grand
Monica Griego
Alex Guerrero
Jane Hopkins
Laura Kohn
Sandra Korwek
Ines Kraft
Julie Loman
Lesyle Lyons
Karen Malin
Emily Mason
Sara Mortenson
Bijan Nowroozian
Rachael Orose
Kayla Parish
Helen Rigby
Rick Seidenwurm
Colleen Smiley
Kristi Stoza
Megan Tam
Mary Tibiatowski
Jon Yonemitsu
Connect with Other Volunteers
Join a Wild Books Volunteer Event
Volunteering in our office is a wonderful way to connect with other volunteers and learn about what’s happening at Words Alive. No training necessary, so bring a friend or family member!
Connect with Us on Social Media!
Keep in the loop about new volunteer roles, internship opportunities, volunteer profiles, fun events, photos from Words Alive programs, and more!
Thank you to the volunteers who made this event possible: Vikki Bowes-Mok, Brian Fidler, Lanie Mendoza Gazca, Jim McIlhon, and Cassie Morrish!
Visit our Bookshop affiliate page if you’re looking to buy a new book while supporting Words Alive. Your investment in Words Alive makes a difference, perhaps now more than ever, in the lives of children, teens, and families. Thank you for your support!