Literacy Heroes Dinner: Kids Need Us More Than Ever

Assistant Principal Sa’Tonya Brascom, Classroom Grandparent Grandma Woody, and student Harmoni smiling together at school.

Assistant Principal Sa’Tonya Brascom, Grandma Woody, and 7th grader Harmoni share a special bond. Harmoni still asks her mom to drive her to Grandma Woody’s house just to say hello and get a hug from her “Grandma!”

Assistant Principal Sa'Tonya Brascom, Classroom Grandparent Grandma Woody, and seventh grader Harmoni share a special bond. Harmoni still asks her mom to drive her to Grandma Woody's house just to say hello and get a hug from her "Grandma!" Their story reflects the life-changing relationships celebrated at Seniors in Service's "Kids Need Us More Than Ever" Dinner, honoring the volunteers and community partners helping children build confidence and succeed in school.

On April 10, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay hosted the "Kids Need Us More Than Ever" Dinner to recognize the extraordinary Classroom Grandparents who help students strengthen their reading skills every day. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres were honored for their ongoing partnership and commitment to improving educational outcomes for local children.

Guests heard inspiring testimonials from Classroom Grandparents, teachers, and school leaders about the academic and social challenges many students continue to face in the wake of COVID. Their stories highlighted how consistent encouragement, one-on-one mentoring, and caring relationships are helping children regain confidence, develop a love of learning, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

The testimonials from Assistant Principal Brascom, Grandma Woody and 7th grader Harmoni captured everyone’s heart. After nearly a decade these three reunited at the elementary school where they first met.

Harmoni was once an overwhelmed child in Ms. Brascom’s Kindergarten classroom and sitting next to Grandma Woody was the only thing that made her feel safe. Ms. Brascom, who is now the Vice Principal at BT Washington Elementary, shared, “Grandma Woody noticed Harmoni struggling in class and being reserved in groups. She worked with her one-on-one so Harmoni could open up and feel safe. Once that took place, Harmoni just soared.” Day after day Grandma Woody would help Harmoni learn letters, sounds, and sight words. As Harmoni learned to read, she began to enjoy coming to school. This special bond and encouragement from “Grandma” Woody helped Harmony blossom into a vibrant, social, and successful student.

“It was not shortly after meeting Grandma Woody that she became my hero. I didn’t like doing my schoolwork in kindergarten, but Grandma Woody helped instill confidence in me; I know I can do the work now, and I enjoy it.” - Harmoni, 7th grade student

Grandma Woody moved the whole room when she looked directly at Harmoni and said, “Thank YOU, Harmoni, for giving ME purpose. Seniors in Service has always been more than volunteer work to me. It has been a guiding force that allows me to give back to the children and community in which I live. This is my calling. I saw in Harmoni, not just a student but a leader in the making, a young girl with the potential to change the world. “

Classroom Grandparent volunteer Grandma Woody with a third grade student at BT Washington Elementary after tutoring session.

Grandma Woody poses with one of her students at BT Washington Elementary. She continues to shape young minds each year as a Classroom Grandparent, serving over 1,100 hours tutoring and mentoring third grade students this past school year.