Local six-year-old named top reader in Canada

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — Nancy Armstrong’s Kumon Math and Reading Centre has helped countless children for the past 26 years with their math and reading skills.

In August of this year, one of her students achieved #1 standing in all of Canada for her reading skills.

Six-year-old Daniella Torreon of Leamington is a Grade 1 student at St. Michel, and has been enrolled in the Kumon course after school for about two years.

“When she first started, she was working with single letters,” said Mrs. Armstrong. “Now, she’s reading at a Grade 5 level.”

Daniella Torreon, left and her Kumon teacher, Nancy Armstrong at the sign in front of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leamington.

Daniella and her older brother, Tyler, both attend Armstrong’s Kumon Centre and they enjoy the extra help they get with their reading. Their mom, Diane, works hard to make sure they get to their lessons.

“I love reading!” exclaimed Daniella, beaming from ear-to-ear.

“It’s a great achievement for her,” says her dad, Troy. “And something special for our small town.”

For Armstrong, it’s the first time one of her students has achieved that lofty status.

“We’ve had many students do very well with the program, but to have Daniella be named tops in the country is a special thing,” she said.

A large sign in front of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Seacliff and Sherk proclaims Daniella as number one. Kumon’s classes are held inside the church on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30- 6:30 pm.