One highlight of the program included Representative David Braddock and Senator Mike Schulz presenting literacy awards from the state level. Jessie Reynolds and Jean Davis were awarded plaques and certificates for the Hall of Fame honor. This is the highest level of recognition for tutor involvement. These recipients had to have achieved the Master Tutor Award plus 35 additional hours.
The State Master Tutor Award for over 250 hours of instruction was given to Grace Dempsey. Her name was added to a plaque that is displayed in the Literacy Office at the Altus Public Library. Mrs. Dempsey received a trophy for the honor from Representative Braddock at the state conference.
There were several other tutors who received awards during the program. Earl Holding and Earnesteen Dalton were given bronze literacy certificates for donating over 50 hours to teaching this year. Teddie Brookman and Beatriz McDonald, both of Hollis, and Ida Fay Winters received a silver literacy award for contributing over 100 hours in tutoring. All the tutors present received “World of Difference” paperweights.
Recognition was also given to the Altus Times as the State Literacy Legacy Print Award winner.
The KEYB Media Specialties received a certificate for nomination of the State Literacy Legacy Broadcast Award. Tracie Tobitt accepted the award for the radio station.
GPLC Past President Jim Brown opened the gathering with prayer prior to the pot-luck meal provided by the GPLC board of directors and literacy staff.
After the meal, ESL trainer and tutor Evan Mustard played his guitar while Briana English sang for entertainment before the program started. Both are students at Western Oklahoma State College.
Great Plains Literacy Council President Rosalyn Hall welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of literacy. “Here in Southwest Oklahoma, the survey from the National Center for Education showed that 25% or 1 in 4 adults cannot read, write or speak English well enough to deal with daily life,” stated Mrs. Hall. “Because of this kind of problem, the Great Plains Literacy Council has always tried to help non-readers.”
She thanked the current and past year board and literacy staff for their support of literacy with time, supplies, and money. The other board of directors included: Rachel Beckner, Rita Beisel, Jim Brown, Ed Fayak, Jeanette Glasgow, Karan Garrett, Rosemary Gipson, Maria Gover, Jeff Greenlee, Kathy Hale, Jeff Greenlee, Van Harl, Donna Hinton, Robbie Holder, Ramona Jeffries, Gail Miller, Jacquelyn Parrish, Jeff Pierce, Melvin Rader, and Lucie Williams. The part-time staff recognized were Lynne Collingwood, Velda Mustard, Ida Fay Winters, Miguel Agosta, Evan Mustard, Harold Taylor, Alva Williamson, Kay Waldroop, and Ann Akins.
Literacy Coordinator Ida Fay Winters thanked the legislators who supported literacy with several state grants. She reminded the audience about the literacy contributions from the Southern Prairie Library System and the State Department of Libraries. Also included in the appreciation many sponsors including the media, schools, United Way contributors, DHS, Dollar General Literacy Grant, National Book Scholarship, Wal-Mart Grant, City of Altus, OK Humanities Council, Shortgrass Arts & Humanities, Altus Schools, Christian Church Reconciliation Grant, Hastings, Reading Renaissance resource speakers and tutors, churches, Retired Educators Unit, businesses, Spelling Bee donors and teams, organizations and individuals who have given time, finances, and vocal support.
The adult learners in the TANF Success Class, one-to-one tutoring, small groups, and family literacy programs were recognized with tokens of appreciation. Mrs. Winters also mentioned how proud the GPLC was of Alba Bird who was named the “State Outstanding ESL Student” this fall.
GPLC pencils, “Literacy is a Lifesaver” mints, and the new bi-lingual promotional brochures were provided to all who attended.
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