Fall Reception

Each year we look forward to celebrating our amazing volunteer tutors, instructors, and adult learners at the Fall Reception. This event gives us an opportunity to spotlight individuals who have gone above and beyond in service, and honor learners who have demonstrated excellence in their literacy journey.

Congratulations to all the award winners and keep learning!

Photos courtesy of Jeri Love.

Volunteer service award

Jim Sasena

Nominated by Abbey Weathers

Jim is a dedicated and compassionate KLC volunteer whose commitment to learners truly stands out. He began with the Open Tutoring sessions in the ESL of SWMI program at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and has since expanded his involvement to include one-on-one tutoring. He’s also training to become an Assessor.

Even with these responsibilities, Jim sought out additional opportunities to support learners, offering to help with Open Tutoring in the Community Literacy Center at Goodwill Industries. When asked about his preference, he simply said, “I want to help anyone with anything.” That spirit of service perfectly captures who he is, and we love it.

Jim is highly attentive to his learners’ needs, often going above and beyond. Recently, he recognized that one of his learners did not have a winter coat and took the initiative to connect them with resources; an example of his genuine care and awareness.

Jim spends winters in Florida, and his learners miss the face-to-face time with him. Still, he remains committed to their progress by continuing lessons virtually, ensuring consistent support.

And on top of all this, Jim faithfully completes his monthly reports; something the KLC deeply appreciates!

mard little award for adult learner excellence recipient

Antonia Avila

Nominated by Vicki Konzen

Antonia had to overcome many challenges as a child and young woman in Mexico, including many losses. Ultimately, when she and her husband settled in Michigan, she set her sights on gaining citizenship. After one year in ESL class, she improved from Level 2 to Level 3 in listening and reading. In class, Antonia is known for being kind, respectful, generous, helpful, and attentive. She is always prepared and takes initiative. She is now a citizen and is excited to vote for the first time this November. Antonia also started a craft business, so her new goal is to improve her spoken English for communicating with customers. Antonia credits her love for family as her motivation and says, “I thank God for everything because I’ve had lots of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had in Mexico.”

Nominees

Teresa Blake

Nominated by Linda Compton

Teresa has been studying with the KLC for over a year, and according to her tutor, Linda Compton, she is delightful to work with. Her short term goals are to improve overall reading & writing skills, and long term, she plans to earn her GED. Teresa & Linda work in Laubach, and in a relatively short time, Teresa has expanded her vocabulary, improved spelling, and strengthened comprehension. She practices by reading her Bible, journaling daily, and using workbooks. Beyond literacy, she’s also discovered her inner confidence from their one-on-one sessions and from seeing her own progress. Teresa balances employment with her academic studies and stays focused on her GED goal. She recently completed the Digital Skills 1 computers course. Her tutor appreciates her warmth and humor, and says that sometimes, they end up learning a new thing together. We applaud Teresa for her courage, consistent effort, and positive attitude.

Pietra Peron Correa

Nominated by James Sasena

Pietra, who is originally from Brazil, is enrolled in our ESL of Southwest MI program, where she participates in the Level 4 class in addition to working one on one with a tutor, Jim Sasena. Pietra & Jim first connected during the Open Tutoring sessions at Prince of Peace, and their relationship blossomed from there. Pietra’s attitude toward learning can be summed up simply as “Never give up.” She’s an eager, attentive, and consistent learner, who is helpful to her peers and a pleasure to teach. And speaking of being helpful, she is a great support to her parents who are also in the program. She helps them understand their lessons and reviews their work. Recently, she passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TESOL) exam, enabling her to take college-level courses. Jim says he admires Pietra for her focus and dedication to her educational goals, and we couldn’t agree more.

who is mard little?

Mard Little was a KLC learner who overcame incredible obstacles in her literacy journey. She came to us at age 67 with a third grade education. Through her dedication and working with her tutor, Judy Kepler, Mard excelled. She advanced six reading levels and gained the confidence to complete her life’s goal of writing her memoir. Read her full biography here.

This award recognizes a learner who has persisted through adverse circumstances in their literacy journey. Their educational and personal gains demonstrate strength and motivation, and inspire others to keep striving for their goals.