A Celebration of Volunteers

April marks National Volunteer Week, a time when Cleveland Reads acknowledges the many literacy tutors in Greater Cleveland.  This year was the 10th Annual Volunteer Reception which was marked with inspirational stories from volunteer tutors, their learners, and the naming of the 2007 Volunteer of the Year.

Cleveland Reads was honored to have Mayor Frank Jackson personally acknowledge the commitment to literacy to each of the volunteers. Mistress of ceremonies, Dee Perry from ideastream, introduced Jenny Demuth and her learner, 8-year-old Talor Townsend from the Urban Family Learning Center – Zion Akron at Channelwood. Annette Jones, who spoke on behalf of the Cleveland Municipal School District Office of Adult & Continuing Education, Tutoring Program, expressed her deep satisfaction helping ESOL students acquire speaking and listening skills.

Roy D'sa, Chair of Cleveland Reads’ Board of Directors, capped off the evening by acknowledging all of the nominees for Volunteer of the Year. He announced that Lyndsay Pepple from Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center would take home the honor as Volunteer of the Year. In recognition of the honor, Ms. Pepple received a plaque and gifts to support her passion for literacy.

Cleveland Reads especially thanks June Taylor, Employment Connection, and Marjorie Pyles-Hearst, CMSD Office of Adult & Continuing Education, for serving on the planning committee and lending their considerable expertise in event planning. A special thank you goes to Morgan Mecaskey for sharing her musical talents.

The reception was held on April 18, 2007 at East Mount Zion Baptist Church.