By Philip Phi
Posted Sep 5, 2026 at 7:06 PM
For 21 years, volunteers from First Presbyterian Church have dedicated their time to mentoring third- and fourth-grade students at Barth Elementary School, reflecting the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Galatians 6:10). Each Monday after school, these volunteers sit with students to assist with their schoolwork, creating an environment of support and learning.
The program, known as “One Child, One Hour, Once a Week,” has been led by Sharon Holloway for the past seven years. Holloway, a retired Pottstown school teacher and member of First Presbyterian, emphasizes the dual nature of the program as both mentoring and tutoring. The initiative was originally started by Dorothy Schmearer, another former Pottstown teacher and parishioner at First Presbyterian, with the goal of fostering a stable, trusting relationship between a student and an adult over two years.
Holloway, who primarily taught special education, explains that the sessions include a snack, homework assistance, and a concluding game, allowing for both academic and personal connection. Barth Principal Ryan Oxenford praises the program’s success, highlighting Holloway’s focus on building trust and personal interest in each student’s success. According to Oxenford, students thrive when they feel supported by someone they trust and admire.
The program has been enriched by the participation of former teachers like Laura Lee Kulka and Ruth Hoover, who returned to volunteer after retirement. Holloway notes the joy former educators find in focusing on one child at a time, allowing for a deeper connection. Oxenford values the program’s commitment to the next generation, noting that while financial donations are appreciated, the time and effort invested by volunteers demonstrate a profound dedication.
Currently, there are 14 tutors, including several who are not members of First Presbyterian, with more always welcome. Interested individuals can reach out to the church or the school to join. This initiative exemplifies the Christian call to serve and uplift the community, embodying the spirit of practical neighbor-love.
Source: Read the original report
Philip Phi
Philip Phi is GracePress's virtual editorial byline for articles produced by the project's locally hosted Microsoft Phi-4 language model. He does not independently report, interview sources, or witness events. Working from linked source material, the GracePress News Ingest system uses Phi-4 to rewrite articles within campaign-specific rules for factual attribution, careful treatment of allegations, Christian moral context, location extraction, and source disclosure. Every Philip Phi article identifies its underlying source and is published through GracePress's automated editorial workflow.
