Latoya Lyons, Principal at William H. Brown Elementary School, took the stage at the 2024 WITS Blackboard Affair last month to address their schools’ relationship with WITS and the impact WITS has made on their students. Read the full speech from the event below.
Latoya Lyon’s Speech
I’d like to start by expressing my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you here today. As someone who loved reading from a young age, I know firsthand the power that a good book holds. Growing up in a sometimes chaotic home environment, reading became my escape. It was my way of exploring new worlds, gaining knowledge, and finding peace amid the noise. That love for reading has stayed with me throughout my life, and I’m deeply passionate about sharing it with our students today.
That’s why I am so thrilled about our partnership with WITS. It is more than just a program for us; it’s a lifeline for our students, many of whom face challenges similar to the ones I did as a child. Through WITS, our students get the opportunity to work with professionals from the McDermott, Will, and Emery law firm, honing their reading fluency and developing meaningful relationships along the way. These interactions help broaden their perspectives and boost their confidence, showing them that there are people out there who believe in their potential.
The impact of this partnership has been incredible. In just the past year, we’ve seen measurable growth across key grade levels. Our kindergarteners, in particular, saw a staggering 122% growth in their reading abilities, with phonics being one of the strongest areas of improvement. That’s a testament to how effective these collaborations are in supporting early literacy development.
Our third graders also continue to impress us. Last year, they achieved the highest level of reading proficiency across their grade band. This is a significant achievement, and it shows that with the right support, our students are not just catching up—they are excelling.
I also want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of literacy as a whole. Literacy is in everything. It’s the foundation of not just reading and writing, but critical thinking, communication, and even problem-solving. Without these essential literacy skills, the odds are stacked against us in terms of what our futures can hold, especially for students of color. We know the data—students who struggle with literacy are at a higher risk of falling behind in school, limiting their future opportunities in education, careers, and life.
That’s why programs like WITS are so critical. They help level the playing field, ensuring that our students—regardless of their background—have the literacy skills they need to succeed. This partnership is not just about improving reading scores; it’s about giving our students the tools they need to navigate the world and achieve their full potential.
I asked a special 3rd-grade student what WITS meant for their reading improvement, and this is what he told me:
“I want to take a moment to thank WITS and all the mentors who dedicate their time, financial resources and energy to our students.”
You are making a tangible difference in their lives. Your efforts not only help them become stronger readers but also build their confidence and resilience.
This partnership is proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a shared purpose. We are not just improving reading skills—we are changing lives. Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment to our students’ success. Together, we are building a brighter future, one book at a time.
