Marge Lyon has been a Cluster tutor since 1998, tutoring three students over the course of 18 years. She also serves as secretary of the Cluster Tutoring Board of Directors.
Marge began tutoring when one of the neighbors in her condo building, fellow tutor Grayce Papp, invited her to the program. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to stay, and she shares her love of volunteering with her students.
Her first student was Brandon, who went on to graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago and became an actor. You might have seen his guest spot on the TV show Chicago Fire last winter.
Marge tutored her next student, Alex, from 1st grade through high school graduation. Alex attended the University of Illinois at Chicago on a full scholarship and graduated this spring. Marge currently tutors Nyla, who is entering 6th grade this fall.
Marge has a simple reason she keeps tutoring. “Kids need to know how to read, and I am very willing to help them.” She encourages all tutors to stick with it, saying that before long, tutors will see results in their students and will benefit tenfold from the joys of volunteerism.
“Cluster is so special,” Marge says. Cluster Tutoring means “the dedication of students, parents, the board, tutors, Pine Avenue and First United churches … all coming together to broaden the world of these kids and help them succeed.”