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Karyton Matthews, 4, is learning how to spell words at a second grade level. She is being taught by Zeta Youth member Vontavia King, a Kingstree High School student volunteer.                                                                   

Photo by Michaele Duke

School may be out for the summer but learning is still in high gear. Williamsburg County has plenty of tutoring services for kids who wish to enrich their reading skills or simply be a part of the learning experience.

Lerlisa McCollough has encouraged children to read for the past seven years. As a member of the Delta Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and a certified teacher of 17 years, McCollough enjoys watching the kids grow as they expand their reading ability. “We work with the child at their level,” said McCollough. “We want children to develop a love for reading, they do better in school and they like it. Some return each year.” The tutoring includes a service project where local students volunteer their time.

Vontavia King is one of 16 students who volunteer their time. “Volunteering has made me become more experienced with children in teaching them and encouraging them to learn more and more each day,” said King who is a student at Kingstree Senior High School. The classes are held at the Williamsburg County Library in Kingstree Monday and Wednesday with Friday set aside for home visits, but because of its popularity, they are booked for the year.

Angelia McClary-Rush, an educator for over 20 years, knows the benefits of tutoring. Rush focuses on improving SAT and ACT test scores. She focuses on getting the kids immersed in vocabulary, SAT, ACT, along with writing. The average SAT score is 15.5 but Rush says her kids average 18 to 20. “That’s a huge difference,” said Rush. To get into a college without being in remedial courses, a student needs a score of 18 to 20.

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Learning can be fun, just ask any of the Delta Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members such as Stephanie Bradley-Terry. She’s pictured with Marquise Pendergrass, 10. The sorority tutors 16 children each summer.

Photo by Michaele Duke

Rush tutors approximately 50 kids each summer. One student who reaped the value of her sessions is Darius Laterian Williams. He says because of his SAT score he was offered 13 scholarships and Williams is a rising senior who has had offers from several colleges including the University of Central Florida and committed to East Carolina University. “She found out what I was weak in and strong in and she made sure I studied,” said Williams, whose SAT score qualified him for NCAA eligibility clearing house. “She’s a good tutor. She makes sure that you understand it before you leave the session.” Rush meets kids from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Trio Fire Station. For more information contact Rush at (843) 359-2195.

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Delta Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority member Lerlisa McCollough helps Kamoni Johnson, 9. McCollough has been tutoring with the Delta Tau Zeta for seven years.

Photo by Michaele Duke

Husband and wife team Denise and Willie McKnight reach out to the rural area, where kids might not have transportation. Ms. McKnight is a retired educator with 29 years of experience. Mr. McKnight was an educator, principal, and coach. The team first began tutoring in the mid 90s at various places in the town of Kingstree. In March they chose to tutor in the Central area of Williamsburg County at the fire station at 893 F. Guerry Road. Ms. McKnight says the reason is simple. “Passion and a love for education,” she said. “This is what I want to do. I love to see the kids grow and learn.”

Mr. McKnight who throws in a little incentive. If the students finish the lesson they get a little Karate. Sessions are ongoing Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact the McKnights at (843) 382-5135.

Other reading and math camps include the Felician Center and Mail’s Reading Camp, both of which will wind down the first week of August. The News provides a list of many of these services in the upcoming events.

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