PITTSBURGH (October 3, 2017) – Pittsburgh Riverhounds defender Taylor Washington has been named a recipient of the Champions Award by Provident Charter School for his work with children suffering from dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.
Diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 19, Washington has volunteered at Provident throughout the 2016-17 school year, speaking at multiple events, as well as working with kids at an individual level.
“I have a ton of respect for the Provident Charter School,” Washington said. “Growing up as a student, who struggled in school, was made fun and wasn’t really able to read – to know there’s a school for kids just like me that struggled and have a learning disability, specifically for dyslexia, it’s just an amazing cause. To be recognized by a school that I have so much respect for is truly humbling and a big honor.
“Speaking to those kids just remind me of me. I just want to instill a belief in them that no matter what anyone says, they can do it; they can achieve whatever they want to achieve. People told me all my life that I couldn’t do this, couldn’t do that, but it made me work harder.”
Located in the North Side of Pittsburgh, Provident Charter School opened in 2016 with students in grades 3 and 4. It has since added grade 5 students for the current school year and plans to cover grades 2 through 8 by 2021-2022. The school is publicly funded with all its services provided free of charge.
According to Provident, one in every five children struggle with a reading disability. The school “is designed for children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to access their potential by providing a high quality, well-rounded education that is delivered through multi-sensory instructional methods and individual learning plans.”
Washington will receive his award at the “Celebrating Provident” Clays & Classic Honorary Dinner on Friday, Oct. 13 held at the Longue Vue Golf Club. For more information on Provident Charter School, visit providentcharterschool.org.
