Gorden presented with ‘Hometown Hero’ award

When Beth Gorden was called into the library last Tuesday afternoon, she had no idea what was about to happen. As she entered the room with Elementary Principal Jen Mahan-Deitte, she was still nervous and unsure.
“Jen told me it wasn’t anything bad,” Gorden said. “She said it was a happy moment, but I still had no idea what was going on.”
Three women representing Modern Woodmen of America were already waiting for her in the library.
After introducing themselves, Cindy Robinson informed Gorden that she had been selected for the Fraternal Financial company’s “Hometown Hero” award for her dedication to the Reading Corps program at the Minneota Elementary School.
“It’s been my pleasure,” Gorden told Robinson and board Modern Woodmen board members Linda Escher and Betty Dale. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with these kids.”
Gorden has been reading for K-3 Minneota Public School students for two years. She previously worked as a reading tutor for one year at Parkside Elementary in Marshall, but when COVID hit, the position was discontinued once school resumed in the classrooms.
“I saw there was an opening in Minneota and I was fortunate to be able to work there,” she said.
The Americorps-based program, however, allows members of the reading corps to hold four-year terms, but she plans on returning for her final year at Minneota in the fall for the 2023-24 school year.
“I love what I do,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to help kids learn.”
Gorden currently works five days a week with 15 students in those four grades, giving them “a little boost” so they don’t fall behind other students.
“Kids in grades K-3 are learning to read,” she explained. “After third grade, they are reading to learn. So, it’s important to build that foundation so they so they have those skills by the end of the third grade.” Students must meet certain criteria before they can test out and no longer need the boost.
“When a student tests out, it’s very exciting and I’m happy for them,” Gorden said. “But I’m also sad when they leave because I miss working with them.”
Gorden puts together a prize bucket as an incentive for the kids to continue striving to learn to read. She purchases the prizes herself.
“The students don’t just get the prizes for doing nothing,” she said. “They have to earn them.”
In winning the Hometown Hero Award, Gorden received a cake, a $50 gift certificate to Applebee’s, and $100 to give to the charity of her choice.
“I’m still very humbled by it all,” she said, several days after receiving the award. “It’s really all about the kids and the people I work with.”
Gorden, who volunteers with the Marshall Pet Rescue, will likely donate the money to that cause.
Gorden has held several occupations over the years. She attended SMSU (then Southwest State) for Speech and Communications/TV & Radio and became a news producer with KELO-TV in Sioux Falls. She also managed a Christian book store in Marshall, and worked 23 years with Schwan’s in Government Compliance before that position was eliminated.
“What I’m doing now is what makes me happy,” she said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping kids learn.”