Inspirational stories of determination and hard work reaping valuable rewards underscored the mission of Literacy Services of Indian River County, as students shared their stories at last Thursday’s Love of Literacy Luncheon at the Vero Beach Country Club, which also featured poet, artist and cattle rancher Sean Sexton as guest speaker. The only adult literacy organization in the county, Literacy Services is funded entirely through grants, donations and fundraisers.
The organization continues to grow, said board President Don Mann, noting an increase in the number of students tutored in Fellsmere from just one student in 2012 to 80 last year. Another 50 parents graduated from the PEN (Parents Engaged Now) project, which helps parents navigate the school system and become more engaged in their children’s education.
Noe Chico, a graduate of that program, related how it has helped to develop his own self-esteem and that of his 7-year old daughter, saying, “I want her to be able to do better than I could. I tell her, I believe in you.”
Mann and Literacy Services Executive Director Mary Silva alternated the presentation of this year’s awards, beginning with the Outstanding Business Supporter, which was awarded to Joanne Quaile, owner of Toyota/Kia of Vero Beach with husband Bob, for their continued sponsorship of the annual Family Holiday Fest.
The Nat Jackson Award, named after one of the eight women who founded the organization 45 years ago, was presented to fellow founders Ann Hamner, Helen Brackins and Kathryn Moss. Jackson and two other founders, Marie Banks and Gertrude Terry, also attended the luncheon along with Randy MacMillan, who represented his mother, Mary Lane MacMillan.
Two students were named ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Student of the Year, each crediting their dedicated tutors for their success and now both working to recruit additional tutors so that others might improve their lives.
“My tutor has given me confidence,” said Guillermina Cendejas of her tutor Linda Barker, noting that she now enjoys reading for pleasure and recently gave a tour of her workplace to visitors — in English.
“I came here 20 years ago and could say just yes and no,” said Beatriz (Betty) Labastida, tutored by Len Marcy. “Today I am able to speak in many life situations.”
The Literacy Student of the Year Award was presented to Carlton Bucknor, tutored by Nancy Merillat, who said that since learning how to read and write he is no longer afraid and finally feels like he’s “a somebody.”
Longtime supporter Evelyn Mayerson, the self-described warm-up act, introduced guest speaker Sexton, a member of one of Vero’s better known and often colorful pioneer families.
“The literacy theme and idea is very close to my life,” said Sexton, who shared that his life was enriched by a 1973 school assignment to keep a journal, which he has been doing ever since, using it as a repository for his thoughts, sketches and poetry. “It’s sort of like an external hard drive. It’s an incredible resource for me,” said Sexton, before treating guests to a sampling of some of his heartfelt poetry and journal entries on ranching and life.
Silva closed out the luncheon, reiterating her thanks to past and present tutors, “the heart and soul of the organization,” who gave the gift of literacy to more than 300 students this past year, and to the visionaries who founded the organization and still remain active with its cause 45 years later. She also stressed the importance of adult literacy as key to combating generational literacy, noting that a child’s academic success is directly tied to the literacy skills of the caregiver.
Literacy Services currently has a wait list of students desiring its services and will provide training to anyone interested in becoming a tutor.
