The Gift Goes On!

This summer the BKC team had the pleasure of learning that Sadie Van Horn, a granddaughter of Jim’s, was working in early care and education (ECE), making a difference with young children. Sadie was born in Pittsburgh and spent most of her growing-up years in Maryland. As a high schooler, she had dual enrollment, taking college classes while still in high school. This led to an employment opportunity during her senior year. She chose an ECE position at Bet Yeladim Preschool. The program serves children infants through preschool. They provide an emergent curriculum environment, and Sadie loved it. She first worked with the young toddlers. Her second assignment was with the 2–3-year-olds. She particularly enjoys 2-year-olds as they are mobile and can have a conversation with you but still have an eager innocence, willing to help and embrace all the world has to offer.

Sadie is the oldest child of Dr. Jim Van Horn’s son, James Van Horn, Jr. She grew up visiting her Pop-Pop and Nana several times a year and especially remembers Christmas parties. One year Jim took the time to record his voice reading The Night Before Christmas for each of the grandchildren’s families. They could follow along, turning the pages as the recording signaled. Her family still has that recording. Sadie also remembers times of playing catch in the back yard and crafts in the house. She says that her family often talks about how Jim just loved to walk around with a grandchild in arms.

That commitment to nurturing children is being carried on in Sadie’s life. Her experience at Bet Yeladim has influenced her to add a minor in human development and family studies to her degree. She is a student at Penn State, majoring in kinesiology. She just completed a course in infant-toddler development. Because of her positive experiences working with young children, she is hoping that her future includes opportunities in pediatric physical therapy. Her pop-pop would be beaming, we are sure!