Rounds of applause and praise were heard during the 2008 Literacy Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Great Plains Literacy Council at the Altus Public Library. The purpose of the luncheon was to thank adult learners, tutors, volunteers, and contributors for their roles in the literacy programs. Autumn leaves and fall decorations were used on the tables to carry out the theme “Fall into Literacy.”

One highlight of the program included David Braddock presenting literacy awards from the state level. Altus residents Rebecca McClain, Perla Sanchez-Galaz, Steve Francis, Maria Reiff and Mariana Briones and Hollis resident Mary Beth Williams were given bronze literacy certificates for each donating over 50 hours to teaching.

Kayla James of Blair, and Helen Cohn, Sam Bayless, Earl Holding, Lynne Collingwood, and Marjorie Daniels of Altus received the Silver Literacy Tutor Award of pins and certificates for contributing over 100 hours in tutoring.

Earnesteen Dalton and Miguel Agosto of Altus and Beatriz McDonald of Hollis were awarded the Gold Literacy Tutor Award with gold certificates and pins for each having over 150 hours in volunteer tutoring.

Teddie Brookman of Hollis was awarded a pin and certificate for the Hall of Fame honor. This is the highest level of recognition for tutor involvement. She had to have achieved the Master Tutor Award with 250 hours in the past plus 51 additional hours this year.

Miguel Agosto was recognized as a finalist for the Bill and Carol Krueger “Learner of the Year” award and received a certificate, pin, and book clip light.

Grace Dempsey of Altus was recognized as an “Outstanding Local Contributor to Literacy” honoree. Two local businesses KEYB Media Specialties and Altus Printing were given appreciation for their support to literacy.

GPLC board member Melvin Rader had opened the program with prayer.

Great Plains Literacy Council President Rachel Beckner 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 Beckner. “Because of this kind of problem, the Great Plains Literacy Council has always tried to help non-readers.”

Coordinator Ida Fay Winters thanked everyone for their dedication and reminded the audience about the theme of the program which was “Fall into Literacy.” ESL Outreach Facilitator Aleida Burchett and Administrative Assistant Keri Paugh helped Winters in spelling out with props the word “leaves” where each letter represented a part of literacy in the past year.