Recognizing Achievements
On May 24, 2022, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council held a virtual event celebrating all we've accomplished together as a community in the past two years.
During this event, we recognized a few learners and teachers for their outstanding work. Watch the recording here (awards start around minute 38): https://vimeo.com/713439939
English Language Learner of the Year: Belyse Umugwaneza
Belyse had an extraordinary year and logged the most instructional hours of any learner – 130 hours! She has been a learner with NALC since September 2021. Belyse is a lovely, intelligent student from Rwanda. She speaks Kinyarwanda and French, and she is already becoming proficient in English.
She has attended our Basics and Low Beginner classes, rarely missing a session. When a fellow Rwandan moved to Nashville, she invited her to join the Zoom class, and they used a splitter to attend class together until the new student got set up with WiFi & Zoom. Belyse is welcoming and supportive of all learners in class, and she makes everyone feel welcome and special.
Belyse gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in April, and even though she was tired towards the end of her pregnancy, she still always came to class, and she always did her homework! Congratulations, Belyse.
Literacy Learner of the Year: Dononvan Smith
Donovan joined our program in January of 2020. He was matched with a tutor in February, and then we all remember what happened in March of 2020, right? Well, that didn’t deter Donovan. Since March of 2020 Donovan and his tutor, Betsy, have been meeting twice a week by phone call.
Donovan has a full time job but he works faithfully on his reading each week. He has completed three reading workbooks in these two years. His reading level has improved at least two grade levels. This year, he logged more hours than any other literacy learner at 101 hours.
Donovan's tutor describes him as highly motivated and completely determined to become an independent reader. Congratulations, Donovan, and keep up the good work.
Volunteer of the Year: Rachael Jenkins
Racheal Jenkins was a regular weekly volunteer in our Start Now program before the pandemic from January of 2015 to March 2020. In this program, she worked with learners of varying backgrounds, skill levels and needs and was a favorite among learners. Rachael easily connects with and builds rapport with learners. Her calm, patient, and friendly demeanor always puts even the most nervous learner at ease.
Last year, Rachael agreed to take on a learner in our newly created online ELL tutoring program. She happily dived into learning a whole new online curriculum and provided invaluable feedback to staff as the program was being built and tested. She has been matched with her current learner, Sonia since July of 2021. They met for the first time in person on Valentine’s Day at Panera. Sonia says that “Rachael is a very patient person and teacher. She helps me with everything. She has been a blessing in my life. I have a friend.” Congratulations, Rachel, and thank you.
Employee of the Generation Award: Sarah Coode
Honestly, we made this one up. It isn’t so much an award as it is a deep, sincere expression of gratitude. As some of you know, Sarah Coode, our longtime Literacy Specialist, is retiring next month, and this award was just created for her. Presenting sponsor, Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations , Nathan Green was in attendance to present this special award. He said:
It’s an honor to share with you what I’ve learned about Sarah Coode. Sarah started with NALC as a volunteer more than 25 years ago. She signed up to teach one adult how to read. One turned into hundreds.
Hundreds of adults who had been judged and shamed came to Sarah, and she said, “I am positive we can help you. Our job is to help you.” Sarah has taught classes at the Board of Probation and Parole, Davidson County Drug Court, Juvenile Justice Center, Martha O’Bryan Center, and Project Return, among others. She has trained hundreds of volunteers on the 42 phonetic sounds that decode the English language, and she’s taught them how to teach those sounds to others.
Everyone gets another shot with Sarah. And as we heard today, sometimes, it’s that third or fourth or 100th try that makes the difference. Sarah is a lifelong learner with a growth mindset, and Nashville will be forever indebted for her service. Sarah, thank you for all that you’ve given to this community.
Sarah, we’re going to miss you, but go enjoy your grandson, your travels, your volunteering, your sewing, and your ukulele band. And don’t forget to visit us all the time.