Cecelia Dowe (Tutor for 13 Years) and Dawn Al-Buhaisi
Literacy tutors and
students gathered at the Belle Glade Branch recently to
celebrate their respective accomplishments. Tutors were rewarded
for the many hours they have devoted to teaching their students,
and students were recognized for the milestones they have
reached in the long road to reading proficiency. Special
recognition went to volunteer tutor
Cecelia Dowe, who has been with the
program for 13 years, since its inception.
Annie Pearl Hill and Dawn Al-Buhaisi
Library Advisory Board
member Annie Pearl Hill welcomed the assembled guests; Sue
Bailey, Aide to Commissioner Tony Masilotti, passed on the
Commissioner’s congratulations, and Jerry Brownlee, Library
Director, thanked the tutors for the precious gift of their
time, and recognized the commitment the students have made to
furthering their goals by learning how to read at a higher
level.
Lottie Hammond and Dawn Al-Buhaisi
Perhaps the most touching
moment of the evening was when literacy coordinator Dawn Al-Buhaisi
read an essay written by one of the students for a Literacy
Coalition essay contest on the theme “How my literacy program
has helped me reach my goals.” Alvin Peete wrote:
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Alvin L. Peete |
"When I started this
program I didn't know what to expect. I was nervous, but I am
very glad I did."
"I am learning things about myself, learning new words, and
remembering some old ones that I forgot. I read a story from
this class that let me know it's alright to hug my sons instead
of just shaking their hands."
"This program is giving me confidence that I needed. I like
reading now. I am happy about learning. This class helped me
spell Florida and University. You have no idea how good I feel
about that. I know it might not seem like much, but to me, its
meant the world to me. At the age of 47 I am glad to take on
this program so that I can make bigger steps. Learning is a
beautiful thing. I am a little slow, but I don't stop trying."
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Refreshments for the program were sponsored by
the Library Literacy Friends, Inc. and donations were provided
by the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition, Lake Okeechobee
Rural Health Network, Inc., Wal-Mart, Save-A-Lot, U-Save, and
Winn-Dixie.
Jerry Brownlee and
Sue Bailey |
Tutors, Students and Guests
Posted 5/23/2003
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