Rotarian Patrick Reardon volunteers at Hailey Elementary’s library, helping librarian Katherine Puller check out and organize books. He aimed to give her more time to read aloud to students, believing storytelling has lifelong benefits.
For Patrick Reardon, volunteering isn’t just a commitment; it’s a passion. This academic year, he spent time at Hailey Elementary School in Conroe ISD, assisting in the school’s library at the request of fellow Rotarian Natalie Sakowski Goertz. His years of experience volunteering with the Interact Club of The Woodlands College Park High School had already deepened his connection to working with students, but elementary-age children presented a fresh and rewarding contrast.“I like kids, and I thought volunteering in an elementary school would be fun,” Reardon shared. “It’s a completely different experience compared to high school students who are on the cusp of adulthood.”
Hailey Elementary serves students from kindergarten through fourth grade, and its library is overseen by Katherine Puller, whose dedication and ability to recall each student’s name and personality impressed Reardon immensely.
“She is an amazing combination of organization and devotion to educating the students,” he said. “Her ability to remember so many young scholars is incredible.”
During his volunteer shifts, Reardon took on various tasks, including checking out books, re-shelving materials, and offering individualized attention to students who needed extra help. But his main focus was ensuring that Mrs. Puller had time to read aloud to the children—something he believes has lasting value.
“These kids will carry the benefit of these stories throughout their lives,” he explained. “Even after 50 years, I still recall my eighth-grade English teacher reading aloud Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea.”
Reardon’s time at Hailey Elementary has been filled with heartwarming moments, but one particular day stood out.
“This spring, my wife shared my birthday date with Mrs. Puller, and she arranged for three classes of kindergarteners to sing ‘Happy Birthday to You.’” He smiled. “Words can’t describe how I felt, watching all those young, smiling kids singing to me.”
And then there was the impromptu Lego-building session last winter. When library tasks wrapped up early, Mrs. Puller pulled out boxes of Legos and let the students play—Reardon included.
“I sat on the floor with the kids, building and playing,” he recalled with a laugh. “Nothing like kindergartners tapping you on the head to get your attention. It was a hoot!”
Reardon’s dedication to volunteering continues to impact students at Hailey Elementary in meaningful ways, proving that even small moments—whether reading stories or building Legos—can shape young lives for years to come.