[caption id="attachment_32601" align="aligncenter" width="800"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/americorp.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-32601"><img class="size-full wp-image-32601" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/americorp.jpg" alt="From left are, Ellen Newcomb, Emily Starry, Mander Givens, Judi Gracia, Brenda Grossberg and Alber Barnette. Photo provided." width="800" height="484"></a> From left are, Ellen Newcomb, Emily Starry, Mander Givens, Judi Gracia, Brenda Grossberg and Alber Barnette. Photo provided.[/caption]

As the 2016-17 service years draws to a close, AmeriCorps members are being recognized by the United Way of the Lowcountry.

AmeriCorps members support the United Way of the Lowcountry’s Early Grade Reading (EGR) initiative, now referred to as "Read Indeed."

Members serve along with more than 300 community volunteers as tutors in 12 elementary schools and preschools throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties, providing reading assistance to students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. &nbsp;

AmeriCorps members are a core group of tutors who serve the entire school year. Because they are in the schools several days each week, they provide continuity and stability to the program.

The 2016-17 service year included 34 AmeriCorps members. Some of the members will continue to serve during the summer with the summer reading program.&nbsp;

The following fourth-year members were recognized during a special ceremony earlier this month for their service: Ellen Newcomb, Emily Starry, Mander Givens, Judi Gracia, Brenda Grossberg and Alber Barnette. &nbsp;

During a recent AmeriCorps ceremony, Newcomb was recognized and received the award for Program Member of the Year. She also received the State Member of the Year Honorable Mention.

United Way of the Lowcountry is currently recruiting AmeriCorps members for the upcoming 2017-18 service year, which will begin in August. &nbsp;

Members receive a small living allowance while serving, as well as an education award upon successful completion of service.&nbsp;

Those interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member can contact Carly Grubbs, AmeriCorps program director, at 843-837-2000 or cgrubbs@uwlowcountry.