Beatrice Allen, Blue Gargoyle, Chicago
Beatrice's father passed away when she was eight years old. She was forced to leave school to help support her family in the cotton fields; she only went to school when the weather didn't allow her to work. Later in life, after her husband passed away, Beatrice came to Blue Gargoyle to pursue the education she was denied in her youth. Beatrice is now able to read. Her ability to understand nutritional facts on food containers has improved her health. Her reading and writing improvements are an achievement worth recognizing. But in addition, she has become a leader. She organizes and coordinates a group of student volunteers to help out once a month at a local social service agency that provides meals to the homeless.
Rosalinda Balderas, Albany Park Community Center Chicago
When Rosalinda first came to Albany Park's program, she felt inadequate as a mother to her two small daughters because she couldn't read the directions on her baby's formula. Rosalinda's reading and self-confidence have improved to a point that she handles all school related issues for her two daughters and takes an active role in her daughters' academic and social development. Plus she encourages them to enjoy reading. After reading Feathers for Lunch to her girls, they told her, "We like when you are reading to us, Mommy." Rosalinda's job in childcare has allowed her to become independent. She has persevered through many obstacles yet she still finds ways to give back to the school and community. She volunteers at events and is willing to speak at public functions such as the Jesse White Appreciation Celebration last fall.
Mia Crowder, Common Place Adult Literacy Program, Peoria
Mia received the "Church Mouse" award for her quiet and unassuming service to Common Place. Since enrolling in Common Place's Adult Literacy Program, her life has been transformed. Mia has made significant gains in both reading and math. She now has a library card, has voted for the first time, uses the library and computer and has learned to read recipes and compare prices. Mia is also a member of the Adult Learner Leaders support group. She helped raise funds for the adult literacy programs and presented two workshops at the New Readers for New Life Conference last June. She volunteers several hours each week to operate the weekly food pantry at Common Place. Mia has no transportation and often walks a mile each way in all weather to learn and work at Common Place. Mia is making a new life for herself.
Carolyn Foster, De La Salle-Tolton Center, Chicago
As a single mother of five, Carolyn made a commitment to turn her life around both for herself and for her children. From the first day Carolyn started taking classes at Tolton, she was committed to learning. She brings her new enthusiasm for learning to her children and in the evening they all do their work together. Carolyn is now able to help her younger children with their homework and they have all improved their grades. Learning has become a family adventure. Carolyn volunteers as a writer and editor for the Tolton Newspaper. Carolyn has been accepted and will begin classes next month at a culinary school that trains chefs for restaurants throughout the City of Chicago. Her goal is to have her own restaurant. She continues to take GED classes in the evening and plans to take the test in June.
Min Li, Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, Naperville
With determination and courage, Min came to the United States from China leaving her husband and son behind. She took on a new country and culture in order for her family to eventually live a better life in the United States. She began working with a tutor at Literacy Volunteers of DuPage to learn English. Her goal was to have her family reunited with her once she became a citizen and was financially able to support them. She secured a job that required English and eventually earned a promotion in spite of layoffs at the company. She has two additional jobs enabling her to buy a car and she is currently looking for a home to buy. Min has achieved her citizenship and is financially able to support her family. She is waiting now, hoping that she will soon be reunited with her family.
A. Alejandro Quezada Romero Family, Kankakee Community College, Kankakee
Leaving Mexico meant leaving behind their families. Alejandro's goal in relocating to the United States was to provide for his family through employment and to establish a loving and nurturing home for his family. Both goals have been met. Upon arrival, with limited English, Alejandro got a job at a local restaurant. He then enrolled in Adult Education classes at Kankakee Community College. He advanced at work and Erika also got a job at the same restaurant. With the additional income they were able to get a better apartment. While their four-year-old daughter, Leslie, attends First Step Pre-K program in the mornings, both parents attend Adult Educational classes. As a family, they regularly attend the Family Literacy Program and other programs offered through the Bradley school district. Their constant effort to improve their family life is evident through their perseverance at work and education.
Carl Rice, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield
Carl was forced to read in school and he hated it. He managed to graduate even though he could not read very well. Since joining the T.E.A.L. program at Lincoln Land, Carl no longer fears or hates reading. He works 10-12 hours a day but rarely misses a tutoring session. He sees his life changing and knows the value of reading in his life. Before, reading and homework were part of his wife Michele's duties. Now he reads and helps all of his children with their homework. He was promoted and now handles more responsibilities. He has the courage to read in front of his church congregation. Carl used to work with the younger children at church. He could do storytelling but he was not comfortable reading. He now works with the older kids in church whenever they need him. His goals of going to college and becoming a mechanic are reachable. His energy and positive attitude are unfailing and offer inspiration to all who meet him.
Murnel Rumbolt, Oakton Community College, Skokie
In Jamaica, Murnel Rumbolt went to work at a very young age to help support his family. Surviving was more important than education. Learning to read at Oakton Community College has given Murnel freedom and independence to go places by himself without relying on others. He is able to manage the paperwork that goes along with owning apartment buildings and has improved the service he provides customers at his job. In spite of demands on his time with two jobs, Murnel rarely misses a class. One of his proudest days was the one when he became a U.S. citizen. As Murnel tells it, "The darkness has been removed from my eyes."
Cecelia "CeCe" Tilsley, Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills
When Cece first enrolled in Moraine Valley's program, she was quiet and shy. Now she is a strong advocate of literacy organizations and has helped many programs with her encouraging words. Being able to read has changed her life in many ways. As a literacy student, Cece became involved with New Readers for New Life and began doing workshop presentations for students and other tutors at statewide conferences. Cece is willing to share how she was able to learn and pass the GED test in spite of a learning disability. She encourages other students to keep trying and not give up. Cece is completing her third year of volunteer service as an AmeriCorps volunteer. She tutors students and facilitates a computer class every week. Her commitment and dedication in working with adult students who have difficulty with reading or writing skills have grown as she watches students make progress.
Francisco Villa, Whiteside Regional Office of Education, Sterling
Since coming to the Whiteside Regional Office of Education program, Francisco's communication skills in English have greatly improved. He has gained the confidence to communicate in English and uses it more and more everyday. In spite of multiple disabilities, Francisco persists in learning English. He also cares for and teaches his two young sons. He is very dedicated to his sons and takes this responsibility very seriously. He attends class regularly and always participates in special events. Francisco consistently takes his two sons to the local library and independently uses library services. He often puts on puppet shows for the benefit of all the children at the library. Even though the boys are still young, they speak both Spanish and English because Francisco encourages and supports them. Francisco plans to take electronics courses at the local community college once his reading level improves.
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