BORGERDING
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During the holiday season, someone going the extra mile to brighten another person’s day can make all the difference.
One such person is Journal-Tribune carrier Riley Borgerding, 13, of Adena Pointe, who made her appreciation for her 93 customers known this Thanksgiving with some sweet treats.
For the holiday, Borgerding included a Reese’s Cup in each of her customers’ newspapers. She said many of her customers are out in front of the house when she comes around, so many thanked her personally.
Many of the residents she delivers to have sent in letters to the Journal-Tribune endorsing her for the Ohio News Media Association’s Carrier of the Year award. One resident, Anne Daniel, of Longwood Place, appreciated how Riley attaches the paper to her door handle, since she cannot bend down.
Kirk and Janice Rounds, of Fairfield Drive, called her smile “contagious,” and said she sets a good example for their grandchildren.
Journal-Tribune publisher Kevin Behrens jokes, “it’s not often you see a newspaper carrier getting fan mail, but it’s a great thing.”
Borgerding said she’s planning on doing something similar for Christmas, too.
“I’ve got some ideas in my head,” she said.
Borgerding became a carrier “to make a little bit of money,” but the experience has taught her a few life lessons as well.
According to her, the job has taught her responsibility and encouraged her to engage in basic finance. Having a job delivering items by certain times of the day have made her accountable.
“You have to remember, those people pay for this,” she said. “If I miss it, I have to make sure I go and give them a paper.”
Her father, Sky, said he’s “extremely proud” of his daughter. He mirrored his daughter’s statements about responsibility.
“She’s learning the work ethic I want her to learn,” he said.
Not only that, but he said she’s learning to interact with people. Borgerding’s job puts her in front of people every day.
“That has taught her a lot about how to initiate conversations,” he said.
Sky said he’s thankful for the Journal-Tribune giving his daughter a chance to develop as a person, and to give her something to do.
“Somebody has to get that job done,” he said.