Helping kids read fundamental to St. Pius teen

October 1, 2015
Tom Burke

Ryan Traynor has been helping kids learn to read since he was 11. The last five years have been nothing but one after another of successful book drives including one that collected 25,000 volumes and Ryan’s founding the Redwood City Public Library Youth Literacy Council. Ryan is a junior at St. Francis High School, Mountain View and a parishioner of St. Pius, Redwood City.

Ryan’s good work has caught the attention of the International Literacy Association and he has been named to the organization’s “30 under 30” list, recognizing young innovators, advocates and educators making a difference in the global literacy landscape, according to the ILA.

“I have been very fortunate to have a network of youth that has helped me implement my successful campaigns,” Ryan said. “Young people want to help if given the opportunity, and I find them to be extremely creative and insightful, which promotes the development of new ways to tackle literacy challenges.”

Ryan has been recognized with numerous awards including the Jefferson Award, ABC7 Star Award, and the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award.

“I am proud to recognize Ryan Traynor, who is part of a new generation of champions playing a critical role in the future of literacy around the world,” said Marcie Craig Post, ILA’s executive director. “Today, an astounding 12 percent of the global population is unable to read or write. These 30 young education champions are developing new, creative strategies to close the literacy gap and, in the process, are transforming lives in their communities and around the world.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: St. Cecilia Parish sent out a “Happy Birthday” to Marie Santos-Cucalon who turned 100 years old on Sept. 15.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: St. Timothy Parish, San Mateo joined the family of Mary Rose Favuzzi in the celebration of Mary’s 90th birthday with cake and refreshments at the church following Mass April 29.

THANK YOU: St. Anne of the Sunset Parish says “Without you there would have been no gala,” to longtime parishioner Precie Agaton who was instrumental in the evening of music that raised more than $20,000 July 18.

HEAR US: Among my favorite aspirations are “May the divine assistance remain always with us” and as we come from the mysteries of the rosary “we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise.”

EFFECT: Northern California Catholic Sisters against Human Trafficking are sponsoring a day to learn about and pitch in on stopping human trafficking. It’s a daylong event with overview in the morning and training in the afternoon; St. Mary’s Cathedral, Gough Street at Geary Boulevard, San Francisco. “Help is needed in educating others about trafficking,” the sisters said; conrottor@sfarch.org.

HOPS SEASON: Oktoberfest is among us Oct. 17 at St. Stephen Parish, San Francisco and Oct. 28 at the Basque Cultural in South San Francisco benefiting the Good Shepherd Sisters’ Gracenter. Contact at St. Stephen’s is Helga D’Arcy, (415) 731-8211 and for the Good Shepherd Guild, Judy Terracina, (415) 753-2081.

WORKSHOP: St. Matthias Parish is offering a look into “uncovering your calling, those you’re meant to serve, and the message you embody in Christ” Oct. 16-17, 1685 Cordilleras Road, Redwood City, $60 cost for both days and materials, registration required; www.breathoflifecenter.com/calling-discovery.

Email items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.