Teachers and students at Atlantic Highlands Elementary School said a bittersweet goodbye last month to one of their (and our) favorite people, 90-year-old Doris Irwin. For 19 years, Doris has been visiting the school to read aloud to kindergarten students as a volunteer with FCS Reading Buddies, a program designed to foster a love of reading and increase the literacy skills of children in undeserved communities. Doris has been with the program since its inception in 1998 as part of the original Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) team.

On Doris’ last day at Atlantic Highlands, her Reading Buddies students showered her with presents, cards and flowers, thanking her for reading to them throughout the year. A retired Navy nurse, Doris plans to spend more time with her family.

Thank you Doris for your extraordinary commitment to community service! We will miss you! xo