Written in partnership with Selena Schultz, UWKC volunteer
In the heart of United Way of Kenosha County’s upcoming Read Across Kenosha event, we would like to shine a light on one exceptional volunteer whose dedication to literacy knows no bounds. Meet Wayne Rongholt, a true champion of storytelling and bringing joy to others.
Last year, Wayne was thrilled for the opportunity to participate in Read Across Kenosha as the 13th annual event was taking place in person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, and with boundless enthusiasm and a contagious love for reading, Wayne has been instrumental in igniting a passion for literacy in our community.
During Read Across Kenosha, Wayne volunteered to read with Mrs. Klawonn’s first-grade class at Jeffery Elementary School and enjoyed the experience so much, that he continued to read with her classroom regularly. Not only does he share his love of reading, he’s a professional clown too! Each week, after reading with the class, Wayne and the students took turns trying to make each other laugh. At the end of the school year, the students presented Wayne with a joke book they made just for him!
“He is a great friend to my students,” says Jolie Klawonn, first grade teacher at Jeffery Elementary, “and an absolute Kenosha treasure.”
He was so touched by the experience with Mrs. Klawonn’s class, that he was inspired to continue reading with her classroom on a regular basis the following school year. Wayne even returned to Jeffery before winter break, surprising students in each class as Santa Claus for their holiday celebrations! His infectious enthusiasm makes reading a fun and enriching experience for everyone involved. It’s no surprise that his students look forward to reading with him every week.
“I have always said to my wife, ‘I am just a kid at heart,’” says Wayne Rongholt, Read Across Kenosha volunteer. “Getting the opportunity to read to 1st graders is a great way to enrich the lives of children, and it let’s me be silly too. I love telling and exchanging jokes, sharing dad puns, and seeing the children’s smiling faces. As mentioned previously, I am a professional clown along with my wife. We go as “Tiddly & Wink”. There is no greater joy for us than seeing children happy.”
Wayne’s passion to share his love of reading and laughter is exemplary and we are thrilled that after experiencing Read Across Kenosha, he was interested in learning more ways to get involved in our work and our mission. Wayne is also engaged with United Way of Kenosha County by serving as both a Readers are Leaders and a Free Income Tax Assistance volunteer.
As we celebrate our 14th Annual Read Across Kenosha — A Community Literacy Event, and kick-off our current VITA tax season, we extend our deepest gratitude to Wayne for amplifying the reach of our literacy initiatives and creating a ripple effect of positive change in our community. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a literacy, and a community, leader.
Become a literacy leader and get involved by registering your classroom, volunteering, or sponsoring Read Across Kenosha. Visit: https://www.kenoshaunitedway.org/read-across-kenosha-event or for more information, contact Marisa Markowski at (262) 671-2208.
For more information about other United Way of Kenosha County and community volunteer opportunities, visit Volunteer Kenosha.
“Volunteers are love in motion!” – Author Unknown