June 21, 2012 (Ypsilanti, Mich.) -- At the conclusion of each year our volunteers and our learners are celebrated at Appreciation Day.  More than 200 guests gathered at Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center to acknowledge all who work towards a more literate community, and to hear the stories behind those learners that were nominated for annual recognition.

The AnnArbor.com Award - This award is sponsored by AnnArbor.com in recognition of the progress & improvement in skills needed for gathering and learning new information. 

Sajuza (Suzie) Desmarais  from Albania has been working with her tutor, Jean Wong, for about 4 months.  Her initial goal was to pass her U.S. Citizenship test.  Her tutor states, "She was already motivated before I met her; however, meeting each week contributed to giving Suzie the needed confidence, information, and support to successfully pass the citizenship test."  Suzie has now been sworn in as a U.S. citizen.  Her new goals are to learn how to drive and get a job.

 

Women's Literacy Achievement & Christine G. Kamisar Memorial Award Winners

Women's Literacy Achievement Award - This award is sponsored by Lori Davis,a former staff member of Washtenaw Literacy in recognition of a woman who has made great strides in improving her literacy skills.

Rachel Feng from China has been working with her tutor, Evelyn Horwitz, for about 8 months.  With enthusiasm and dedication, Rachel has made progress in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills.  She eagerly embraces the rhythm and music of English.  Prior to coming to tutoring, she had never spoken one word of English.  Now she is comfortable and brave with speaking these new sounds. 

Christine G. Kamisar Memorial Award - This award is in memory of Christine Kamisar who was a Washtenaw Literacy tutor. 

Kinko Mori from Japan has been working with her tutor, Evelyn Horwitz, for about 9 months.  In that time, she has advanced tremendously in communicating in English.  She is quick to pick up and remember material.  To help her learn, Yoshiko lip sync's every word her tutor says, trying to imitate the wild vernacular of English.  Yoshiko always tells Evelyn how happy she feels after a lesson.

 

Donna DeButts Leadership Award Winner

Donna DeButts Leadership Award - Donna DeButts was the first Executive Director of Washtenaw Literacy, and is now a board member.  This award is in recognition of leadership qualities demonstrated by a learner.

Willie Simmons has been working with his tutor, Jan Zehms – Stankrauff, for about 7 months.  Willie, a single parent of two sons, has improved his reading and become more confident.  He can now fill out applications and recently got a job at a cleaning service.  Willie takes the time to sound out words and is beginning to read words with multiple syllables.  Jan feels very fortunate to work with a learner who his takes responsibility for improving.  Willie is an excellent role model for his sons.

 

 

Richard & Edna Townsend Memorial Award Winner

Richard & Edna Townsend Memorial Award - This award is in memory of one of the first supporters of Washtenaw Literacy.  Richard and Edna's daughters sponsor the award in memory of their parents.

Yinshui Fan has been working with his tutor, Becky Carter, for about 15 months. Recently Yinshui experienced some health challenges and his encounters with the health care system brought more opportunities to learn new words and expressions.  He is extremely proud that throughout his hospital stay a translator was not involved, which had happened previously.  He has applied to be an American citizen and is waiting on his interview and testing date!

 

The World In a Basket Learner Award - This award is sponsored by guests who attended Washtenaw Literacy’s World in a Basket benefit in recognition of dedication and motivation shown by a group learner.

DeAngelo Harris-Warren has been attending the Skills Building Class at Washtenaw Community College.  He has perfect attendance at his labs and tutoring sessions.  He is extremely dedicated and is working hard toward achieving his GED.  He has proven to be a positive leader in the classroom.

 

John Edwards Workforce Achievement Award - This award is in honor of John Edwards, a longtime board member for Washtenaw Literacy, who completed his Board service this year.  This award recognizes a learner who has demonstrated improvement in job skills and/or performance.

Lloyd Miller Jr.has been working with his tutor, Cortney Bamberger, for a little over a year.  He always wanted to be a truck driver.  He had been around trucks his entire life but had never been able to get his commercial driver's license (CDL).  Despite many challenges, Lloyd recognizes the importance of improving his literacy. His perseverance paid off.  He has successfully completed a truck driver training program and passed the test required by the State of Michigan and earned his CDL.

 

Washtenaw Literacy (www.washtenawliteracy.org) is a volunteer-based organization providing free literacy instruction customized to the needs of adults throughout Washtenaw County. Volunteers provide individual and group tutoring in reading and writing skills and in English as a second language so adults can improve their personal, family, and community lives.

 
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