JoAnn Cook, Student Coordinator
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:
- Sarah passed all of her GED subject tests with flying colors, scoring in the top 10% in each section.
- Tony got his driver’s license.
- Loudnie has passed 2 of of her GED section tests.
- Alfred is improving his computer skills.
- Dinora has increased involvement in her child’s education.
- Phil will be ready to take his GED tests in Math and Science in June.
Did You Know?
Tutor Ray Davis and Johnny George
“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.
Mary Jane McCarthy has served as our recording secretary and AACLC board member since 2012, and has tutored several students as well–including her current student, Alfred. Mary Jane describes Alfred as a very dedicated man who is working hard to improve his reading, writing, and comprehension skills. “I’m really proud to be able to help Alfred reach his personal goals,” Mary Jane notes.
Alfred tells Mary Jane that the AACLC program has not only made him feel more confident at work; he’s even started to participate in more activities outside work. Alfred also credits his wife Sandra with providing unfailing support for his hard work. Sandra attends all his tutor sessions and reports an unexpected side benefit: her English-speaking abilities are also improving!
Thirty-six enthusiastic and talented volunteers completed our
two-day tutor training on February 22nd and March 8th. Dixie Catlett, Phil Tawes, Jill Mischo, and Maggy Cullman were our trainers for Day 1, and on Day 2 our trainers were Deborah Stoeckle, Nancy White, Jill Mischo, and Maggy Cullman. The training was held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park and feedback from the trainees was very positive for both days of instruction.
Lisa Vernon, Executive Director
February was a very productive month for the Literacy Council. Activities included tutor/student recruitment at the North County, Crofton, and Brooklyn Park libraries; a well attended math workshop led by Larry Smith: February 22/March 8 tutor-training preparations for our class of 36 new tutors, including the completion of student assessments for their tutor/student matches; and the fine-tuning of our new AACLC database as well as the initial training for data entry. A tremendous thanks goes out to the team of volunteers who made this progress possible through their hard work, time, and talents.
Our April 8th Appreciation Event for tutors, students, and volunteers is next month. Please make plans to attend!
Warmest Regards,
Lisa Vernon
Director, Anne Arundel County Literacy Council
410-269-4419 (office)
410-798-0408 (home)
Executive Board member Tom Vernon
Tom Vernon exemplifies the incredible Literacy Council volunteers who share their time, talents, and funds in support of our tutors and students throughout the year.
Tom’s behind-the-scenes work has contributed greatly to the success of the Council. He has enthusiastically served as Coorespondence Secretary on the Literacy Council Executive Board for the past three and a half years.
Tom is also the first to arrive and the last to leave for every event, conscientiously working to ensure that things run smoothly. In addition, he gives critical help throughout the year by generously sharing his skills and talents to meet any technical need that arises. It is volunteers like Tom who help us to successfully expand our free literacy program in Anne Arundel County.
Save the Date!
Great opportunity! Our next 2 day tutor training is scheduled for April 9 & April 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, and will include both Basic Literacy and English Language Learner instruction.
We have a class size limit of 35. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in attending this training, please email Anita Ewing at ewing400@gmail.com, or call 410-269-4419 as soon as possible to reserve a seat.
Anita Ewing, Tutor Coordinator
The new year is proving to be a very busy time in the Tutor Services world of the Literacy Council. In addition to supporting 140 current tutor/student matches who are meeting throughout the county,10 new student/tutor pairs have been created in the past month.
Other exciting activities to tell you about:
- We are already preparing for the 2-day training class for new tutors on April 9 and 16. We especially need people to tutor students in the North and West areas of Anne Arundel County.
- Tutors, our Grammar and Writing Roundtable will be held on February 23rd from 7 – 9 pm. If interested in attending, please email me at ewing400@gmail.com.
- Mark your calendars for April 28th and make plans to attend our annual Tutor/Student Appreciation Dinner. This event is always a festive gathering of tutors, students, and families where we celebrate the gains made by our students in the previous year. Food is provided by our generous local businesses, a guest speaker inspires the crowd, lots of photos are taken, and there are broad smiles all around.
Lisa Vernon, Executive Director