“It is a good idea for any person like me and others to get help to finish our education. And I also want to say that you guys are doing a good job. Keep it up! Everything that I am learning now is for my future. Everything that I am learning is for my son. All my learning will be helping my son and my family and others.” – student Loudnie Ipradieu
Happy update: Loudnie has now passed 2 of of her GED section tests!
Please bring your ideas, questions, and tutor resources to share with others during this informal round table discussion. Delicious snacks are included.
Lisa Vernon, Executive Director
Lisa Vernon, Executive Director
Last year 216 adults and out-of-school youth received free literacy and math tutoring. As student coordinator, I support these students from when they first contact the Literacy Council through when they accomplish their personal literacy goals and exit the program.
A few of the student goals achieved this spring:
“I have been waiting for this recognition all of my life.”
The first thing you notice about Johnny George is the warmth of his smile and how very easy it is to strike up a conversation with him. After serving in the army during the Vietnam era and completing a successful 37-year career with Baltimore Gas and Electric, Johnny could well have rested on his laurels during his retirement. Instead, he’s seized the opportunity to sharpen his literacy skills by working with Anne Arundel County Literacy Council tutor Ray Davis.
Because Johnny left his North Carolina high school before graduation to join the army, he never received a diploma. Yet his quick intelligence enabled him to learn how to handle big equipment while he was in the service. He then went on to work with various trucking companies before spending most of his career at BGE.
Yet all the while Johnny yearned to finish his education and earn a GED. With some encouragement from Pauline, his wife of 40 years, Johnny reached out to the Literacy Council and was matched with his tutor Ray. After two years of working together, Ray was so impressed by Johnny’s progress in improving his reading and writing skills that he searched the internet and found a uniquely meaningful way to honor his pupil. His online hunt revealed that an honorary diploma program existed for veterans–and that Johnny qualified.
When Johnny eventually received this honorary high school diploma he was thrilled: “I had been waiting for this [recognition] all my life!” But now he’s set himself a new goal. Like so many of us, Johnny’s eager to polish his technology skills and has turned to Ray to help him master such computer tasks as emailing and word processing.
Thirty six new tutors were trained in April and are now ready to be matched with students. What a great looking tutor class! Please give them a warm welcome. A BIG “Thank you” goes out to Jill Mischo – tutor training coordinator, Anita Ewing – tutor coordinator, as well as trainers Sarah Gardner, Phil Tawes, Suzy Ochs, Emily Clements, Christine Harrison, Bonnie Wright, Joanne Dement, Perinaaz Gandhi, Lynette Delprete, and Al Odierno for an excellent training.
A Follow On training workshop for both new and current tutors is scheduled for May 21 from 9:00 am – noon in the Founders Room at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park.
Volunteers and students, make sure to reserve seats for both you and your family for our 2016 Appreciation Dinner on May 19th. We will have lively entertainment, a delicious buffet, and an inspiring program that you won’t want to miss! RSVPs are requested by May 9th.
Best regards,
Lisa Vernon, Executive Director
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council
301-523-6750 (cell)
