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American Hero #6
Bill Riley
by guest columnist Pamela Mortimer
Congratulations to Bill Riley, our American Hero #6, for 2011.
The Founding Fathers all had one thing in common: they devoted themselves to a cause - one that would benefit their fellow man without thought of how they could benefit. Today's heroes follow those same principles - doing what is moral and right without seeking fame or personal gain.
One person that is on a similar quest is Bill Riley, an entrepreneur from Michigan that is devoting his time and resources to help disadvantaged children with dyslexia. Riley had a near death experience that made him realize it was time to do something more with his life. It was then that Riley knew he had to give back to the community and serve others.
Bill Riley, 41, learned last year that he was dyslexic. In the 1970's, Riley, a student at Our Lady of Sorrows, a private Catholic school, had been labeled a "slow learner." Unable to get the help he needed, Riley's parents eventually put him into a public school that had programs in place to help him with his learning issues. Last year, Riley faced a similar situation with his own daughter. Ironically, Riley made the decision to take his daughter out of public school to find help for her in the private sector. When Riley contacted his alma mater with the hopes of finding answers, the staff recommended that he take his daughter to Beaumont Hospital for advanced testing.
Riley began to realize that he and his daughter had been fortunate enough to receive the necessary help but began to question what might happen to students that weren't receiving extra attention.
"My family had the money to pay for private tutoring," he said, "but it made me think about all the other kids who need help and can't afford it."
Riley's life changing experience and love for his daughter inspired the idea to create a program that would offer scholarships to teachers willing to be trained in the Orton-Gillingham method for dyslexic students. In return for the scholarships the teachers would provide 15 hours of community service for children in need. The program, designed in conjunction with the Michigan Dyslexia Institute and The Optimist Club, will launch this summer at Schoolcraft College.
Post Script
Our goal is to identify, during 2011, 56 current-day heroes with the same character, commitment and courage as the 56 who signed our Declaration of Independence. If you would like to nominate someone please send your idea to news@americanvalues.com. If you would like to receive this email newsletter you may email us or add your name by clicking here.
Acknowledgements
Our sincere thanks are extended to Bill Riley for his cooperation with our "56 American Heroes" project. We are also grateful to Pamela Mortimer for her work in identifying Mr. Riley as our 6th American Hero and writing the fine article.
Carter LeCraw, CEO,
American Values Investments, Inc. | 
