Americorps Student Learning Advocates

The HSD is excited to introduce our five Student Learning Advocates for the 2024-25 school year. These members came to us through the AmeriCorps’ Washington Reading Corps (WRC), a statewide program designed to improve K-12 students’ reading, math, and literacy skills. 

At HHES, volunteers Keeley Hall and Rachelle Hymas work directly with classroom teachers and reading specialist Stacey Ruppel to serve those needing additional reading development support, but who do not qualify for the Learning Assistance Program. Volunteers engage in one-on-one and small group work with these students in foundational reading and writing skills. Hall and Hymas will also lead a group of 10 students in the Reading Power literacy tutoring program, a required component of the WRC, every 12 weeks.

Volunteer Olivia Witherspoon works with HMS students, and Elin Bony serves HHS students. Adam Harris-Bloom spends the first two hours of the day at HHES before joining Bony at HHS. At the secondary level, volunteers are primarily responsible for providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring in a multitude of subjects, providing organizational and social-emotional support, monitoring student progress, and assisting students complete assignments on time. 

Advocates will also plan after-school clubs that cater to a variety of student interests that extend beyond reading. Additionally, volunteers will assist in planning the annual spring Launch event for HMS and HHS students and are considering how to further introduce themes of career exploration to HHES. 

The HSD sought our five Student Learning Advocates to meet district and student needs in a financially responsible manner. Service members receive training, education, medical benefits, and a small stipend. The HSD gains staff members devoted to providing additional individualized academic support. “It’s a win-win,” said Jennifer Sawyer, HSD teaching and learning coordinator. 

WRC volunteers’ service contributes to the mission of Hockinson Schools to prepare all students for lifelong success. “The AmeriCorps members' dedication to strengthening our communities will have a positive, lasting impact on our schools as they are also an important piece of the puzzle in helping all Hockinson learners thrive this year,” Sawyer said. 

Meet our Student Learning Advocates!

Elin Bony

Elin Bony is no stranger to working with HHS students. After earning an AA in biology at Clark College, her passion for teaching led her to pursue a degree in Secondary Earth Science at Western Governors University. Elin’s connection to the Hockinson community was solidified during her student teaching placement with HHS’ BeLynda Lee-Jensen. This experience affirmed her passion for teaching.

Elin’s belief in the transformative power of education and the opportunity to continue supporting student development inspired her to become a Student Learning Advocate at HHS. When an opportunity with AmeriCorps came up, “it felt like the perfect fit to continue my journey in a place I loved,” Elin said. She will primarily provide math and science tutoring and looks forward to building on the relationships she has developed with students while witnessing their achievements throughout the school year. 

Her student teaching experience and background in the sciences make her apt to support students at the high school level. Through her focused support, Elin will empower students to grasp challenging concepts and gain academic confidence. 

For Elin, the most exciting part of being an AmeriCorps volunteer is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on her community. “The chance to contribute to students’ educational journeys and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers is incredibly motivating,” she said. 

Keeley Hall

Keeley Hall, a University of Central Florida graduate with degrees in anthropology and biology, is spending her gap year before applying to medical school as a WRC volunteer at HHES. Born and raised in Washington, she is eager to make a difference in her community, especially in a school district her siblings attend. 

This year, Keeley will focus on enhancing student literacy and fostering positive attitudes toward reading. Her commitment to these goals stems from personal experience. “I firmly believe all children can learn to enjoy reading with practice and support, and I want to provide that to kids like my brother so they too can experience the magic of reading,” she shares, reflecting on her brother’s challenges with dyslexia. 

Keeley views reading as a fundamental skill that drives personal growth and academic success. She emphasizes that reading for enjoyment not only aids in learning but also opens up new avenues for exploration. “I believe that reading easily is possible for all children who are given the right tools and support,” she adds. 

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, Keeley is most excited to connect with students, watch their confidence grow, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. “I am looking forward to watching kids discover that reading can be easy and fun, and to supporting them as they do!”

Olivia Witherspoon

Olivia Witherspoon, a recent Washington State University graduate with a degree in biology, is also spending her gap year before medical school to give back to the community she grew up in. This Hockinson native is passionate about supporting youth educational opportunities, especially those in STEM, and is bringing six years of experience with middle school STEM education programs to HMS. 

Reflecting on her personal experience as a student, Olivia remembers feeling overwhelmed and in need of assistance in certain subjects. As a Student Learning Advocate, she hopes to provide academic support to HMS through tutoring in a myriad of subjects and helping strengthen students’ organizational skills.

Olivia emphasizes the value of a “growth mindset” for students to embrace feedback, reflect on ways to improve, and take action. She looks forward to connecting with students this year, supporting their learning, and leading the HMS Robotics Club. 

For Olivia, the most exciting aspect of being an AmeriCorps volunteer is “helping the next generation develop the personal and educational skills necessary to be successful in their futures,” along with engaging in community service projects. 

Rachelle Hymas

Rachelle Hymas, a Hockinson parent herself, is bringing her extensive experience to HHES. With an education in vocal music and over 20 years of community service both in and outside of schools, Rachelle has also pursued continued education in goal setting, mentoring life skills, and personality profiling. 

Rachelle’s inspiration for Student Learning Advocate grew from her personal experiences helping her children receive additional help in select areas of study. She began volunteering in their schools to identify the challenges they faced and provided one-on-one support. Rachelle is most looking forward to getting to know the students and “being a support and cheerleader for them during the hard days as well as the good days!” She is passionate about being a supportive figure in guiding them toward progression and achieving their goals. 

She believes student literacy is key to academic confidence and grants infinite learning potential. “I believe that fostering a love for reading and literacy in young learners ensures a capacity for lifelong learning, an ability to research and access answers to questions, and supports the freedom to learn any future topics of interest and talents to the highest level they desire,” Rachelle adds. 

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, she is most excited to meet new people and widen the positive impact she has on children beyond those she raises at home. “I feel like it is exactly where I am supposed to be at this time, and I’m excited for all of the learning I will experience as well!” 

Adam Harris-Bloom

Adam Harris-Bloom, with a background in criminal justice, became a WRC volunteer to give back to his community and help students lead successful academic careers. He will work with students at both HHES and HHS, where he is enthusiastic about making a positive impact on young learners.

Adam’s inspiration for becoming a Student Learning Advocate also stems from his own experience as a student. Reflecting on the key individuals who supported him during his school years, he recognizes the profound impact that a supportive presence can have on a student’s success. “They made a huge difference and [left an] impact that I still remember years later,” he said.

Adam places a great value on facilitating childhood literacy and developing positive attitudes toward reading. He believes that these skills will continue to benefit young learners throughout the rest of their lives and better prepare them to contribute positively to society.

“The things that excite me the most about being an AmeriCorps volunteer are that I am serving a purpose that is a part of the federal government and being able to support different communities,” he said. Although new to working within education, Adam is eager to gain valuable experience and contribute as a supportive figure within Hockinson schools.