Each year, Literacy Services of Indian River County celebrates the accomplishments of its students with a special celebration. This year’s event looked a little different as they hosted a festive Drive-Through Celebration on Sunday, April 25, in Fellsmere.
Students followed a parade route in front of the city building in Fellsmere where they made stops to receive a raffle ticket, a goody bag of school supplies, and a certificate of achievement; they also took a photo and went home with a pizza to celebrate. Along the way, tutors cheered them on with pom poms and cow bells while the Collins and Company Band played upbeat music.
The event was presented by Scholar Level sponsors iThink Financial and Luchian Bercea of Dale Sorensen Real Estate. Supporter level sponsor Ambetter was also on hand to give out gifts to students. Literacy Services’ partner organization, Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative, gave out gifts to the students’ children.
Certificates of Achievement were given to Literacy Students who advanced English language or literacy levels, improved their employment or employability skills, became United States citizens or accomplished other personal literacy goals throughout the past year. The Student of the Year Award was given to Victor Rojas, who wore a festive sash and graduation cap. Student of the Year Finalists Marisela Godinez and Micheld Moreno were also recognized.
The mission of Literacy Services is to deliver innovative and comprehensive learning opportunities to adults seeking English language and literacy skills to achieve their goals. One in five adults struggles to read, which makes completing job applications, getting a driver’s license or engaging in their children’s education difficult. Literacy Services works with 300 students annually, with 20% needing help with literacy and 80% learning English. There is a waiting list of 90 students and more tutors are needed.
The organization, a United Way supported agency, relies on over 150 volunteer tutors who provide free, confidential and one-to-one tutoring to individuals aged 16 and older or within group settings at the request of local employers. Tutors do not need prior teaching experience and receive training and resources from Literacy Services.
For more information about this event or Literacy Services of Indian River County, please visit www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.