A party marked the end of the America Reads program on Wednesday at Remington Elementary School in Ilion. 
Students and mentors gathered to enjoy cake, beverages, and hand out awards for completion of this nearly six-month initiative of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), which is sponsored by Catholic Charities, said Shelly Cool, RSVP director.
The celebration came a day after a similar event at Reese Road Elementary in Frankfort, the second participating school.
With this year having such great success, Cool said America Reads is looking to grow. “Next year my goal is four schools.”
Remington RSVP mentor Paul Frezza, of Herkimer, is a retired Frankfort-Schuyler teacher and had nothing but praise for the educational benefits of the program.
“We work on spelling and writing...Teachers inform us of any weaknesses.” said Frezza. “They read to us, we read to them.”
By taking a variety of books from the libraries shelves the students get the full literary experience.
It becomes an extension of the in-class learning, and since the program is after school students get a snack to keep energy and spirits high, according to Remington Principal Jeremy Rich. 
“The environment the tutors create makes it worthwhile.” said Rich. “It’s a wonderful program.”
Seven mentors worked on a one-on-one basis with seven students, said Frezza.
A program such as America Reads allows committed volunteers to provide the kind of attention that is so important in academic accomplishment.
Now that it is no longer funded through grants, it’s up to schools to get involved, said Cool.