LiteracyCares Winners 2002

The LeadershipCares Foundation
10181 Nightingale Street
Gaithersburg MD 20882

Ron Yudd (301) 540-5791
Lula Davis (202) 224-7595
www.leadershipcares.org

THE LEADERSHIPCARES FOUNDATION PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL LITERACY CARES  AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO LOCAL VOLUNTEER LITERACY TUTORS. 

Washington D.C., October 17th 2002. The LeadershipCares Foundation presented its annual LiteracyCares Award of Excellence to four local literacy tutors that volunteer through Literacy Councils in the greater Washington D.C. area. The awards were presented at a dinner held in their honor at the Capital Hilton Hotel, 16th and K Street NW on Friday October 11th, 2002. 
"This award brings attention to the dedication of volunteers that work tirelessly to provide instruction in reading and writing to countless individuals in our area. It also showcases the continued need for volunteers to step forward and give the gift of literacy," say Ron Yudd, Founder of the LeadershipCares Foundation. 

The four award winners were Ms. Kay Habeger from the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, Ms. Nicole Lubar of the Washington Literacy Council, Ms. Shirley Duvall from the Literacy Council of Prince George’s County and Ms. Joan Schloo from the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, 
Each award winner thanked the LeadershipCares Foundation and their Literacy Council and spoke briefly about their experience as a tutor. 

Ms. Kay Habeger of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia said —-"this is a great job. I love it and hope I can do it until I am 90." Ms. Nicole Lubar of the Washington Literacy Council said, "this volunteer work has a tangible impact on our cities, neighbors and the people." Ms. Shirley Duvall of the Literacy Council of Prince George’s County remarked, "The joy and pleasure I have gotten from my students always reminds me of how much I love my job. I, like many other tutors, receive much more than I have given". Ms. Joan Schloo of the Literacy Council of Montgomery County said, "I want to thank my students. They come with hope and respect and they ascribe to us (their tutors) wisdom and insight." 

Ms. Janna Lusk Director of the Literacy Council of Prince Georges County read a special letter from First Lady Laura Bush to recognize the 40 years of service of last year’s winner-Ms. Joan Bassett from the Literacy Council of Prince Georges County. Ms. Bassett’s husband Jim and one of her daughters, Christine, were on hand to receive the recognition.

Representatives also delivered salutation and congratulations to the winners from Senator Kennedy, Mikulski and Sarbanes offices.

The highlight of the evening was listening to literacy students speak to the gathering about what their tutors have meant to them. One student remarked "it is a blessing to have someone think about us and help us read" Another student jokingly remarked that she had now acquired enough English skills to "fight with her boss". Another student received thunderous applause when he remarked that "I am here to tell the literacy program and my tutor thanks a million for sticking with me and people tell me that if I keep reading like I am doing I could become the President of the United States." 
Ms. Lula Davis, Vice President and Executive Director of LeadershipCares surprised the gathering with a special presentation of a check for $500 to each Literacy Council director for their Tutor Training Programs. 

The evening closed with all the participants signing the 2002 LiteracyCares Student Quote Board that was displayed with quote posters from past events.
Literacy tutors in the Washington D.C. area volunteer thousands of hours each year to help overcome illiteracy and open new worlds to those that struggle with this problem. Tutors receive training and then teach others to read and write. The tutors enjoy a profound sense of accomplishment and know that their efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of their students.
For more information on literacy issues and how to volunteer as a tutor call:

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia-703-237-0866
Literacy Council of Montgomery County-301-942-9292
Literacy Council of Prince Georges County-301-699-9770
Washington Literacy Council- 202-387-9029

For more information about the Literacy Cares Award of Excellence and the LeadershipCares Foundation visit the web site at www.leadershipcares.org or phone 301-540-5791.