Author Elizabeth Winthrop Alsop, whose most recent book is “Daughter of Spies: Wartime Secrets, Family Lies,” charmed a packed audience as the keynote speaker of the Love of Literacy Luncheon fundraiser at the Quail Valley River Club to benefit Literacy Services of Indian River County, which provides free tutoring services to adult students.
In her welcome to guests, JoAnn Hitt, board president, said that last year’s momentous 50th anniversary year concluded with the hiring of Shannon Maitland as their new executive director.
“As we all know, literacy is very important to quality of life,” said Maitland. She said each year, some 300 adult literacy students meet with one of their volunteers, who last year provided 7,500 hours to help students obtain better jobs, apply for driver’s licenses, communicate with doctors and their children’s teachers, and even just order from a menu.
“Helping our students receive the United States Citizenship has to be right up near the top,” said Elida Gomez, community engagement coordinator, introducing tutor Larry Salustro and several of his newly citizenized students.
Gomez introduced Don Restuccia, tutor of Daniel Betancourt Sanchez, who was selected as this year’s Student of the Year for his hard work, determination and dedication.
Restuccia said they met a year and a half ago, adding, “He was starting his senior year of high school in a new country and had to learn a new language to be successful. No pressure there, right? But he learned quickly, and he certainly was motivated.”
In addition to learning English, studying for SAT and ACT exams and getting a driver’s license, he volunteered at Literacy Services and still graduated with two commemorations with a dual enrollment from high school and Indian River State College.
“Our Student of the Year is an outstanding student and worthy of this presentation. He has proved himself to be flexible, persevering as he pursues his goals, yet always showing his care for others. He has included the entire family in learning. It has become a family affair, with everyone learning English together and supporting each other,” said Gomez.
“I just want to say thank you to all those who supported me and continue to support me on this path of learning, on the path of life,” said Betancourt Sanchez, recognizing his parents, Literacy Services and especially Restuccia.
“He helped me achieve most, if not all, of the accomplishments that I have achieved in the year and a half that I have been in this amazing country,” said Betancourt Sanchez, who plans to pursue an advanced degree in industrial engineering.
“He has supported me so much and not only me but also my whole family. I speak for my entire family when I say that he is part of us, part of our family,” said Betancourt Sanchez, who also acknowledged his own hard work and resolve. “Thank you for donating to make this program free for students.”
Afterward, Lorna Stengel conversed with Alsop, whose book shares the story of her upbringing as a child of parents trained to keep secrets during the Cold War, and her journey as an adult toward understanding them.
For more information, visit literacyservicesIRC.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
