If you’re ever on Lake Red Rock in the summer and you see a pontoon boat, you might catch a glimpse of Everybody Wins! Iowa’s featured site-coordinator for June, Collette Saylor.
During the school year, Collette is the site coordinator for Terrace Elementary in Ankeny. This summer, she is coordinating the program at Highland Park Community Church.
Collette was a mentor at Terrace in Ankeny for five years before stepping into her site coordinator role.
When she’s not out boating, Collette volunteers for many education organizations in and around Des Moines. She is most active with Junior Achievement BizTown and the Carver Boys and Girls Club.
Her work with Junior Achievement includes presenting for Junior Achievement in elementary schools in and around Des Moines as well as other volunteer activities for the organization.
Collette retired 9 years ago from her role as the Executive Director of One Source Training, a partnership between Iowa’s community colleges. Working at One Source allowed her to foster her love of education for all age groups.
Having the opportunity to work with the school, students, and mentors is what Collette says she has enjoyed the most.
“The kids are just delightful and so grateful to have an adult who doesn’t have to care about them care,” Collette said.
Collette’s favorite memory from program happened just this year.
“During one book give away one of my students wasn’t happy with her book so one of the other girls offered to trade a book,” Collette said. “All was well after this. The mentor and I praised the student who was willing to switch many times.”
In addition to this, she says that she has really enjoyed getting to know the kids at Terrace and reading fun books.
“For three years, I mentored with the same two boys from 3rd to 5th grade,” Collette said. “I learned a lot about video games and soccer as we read many books and had great discussions about weather and the world. I witnessed both boys improve their reading skills and gain confidence around adults.”
Everybody Wins! thanks Collette for her service and dedication to the program.