Adult Learner Awards & Authors Signing
October 29, 2023, 2:00-3:30 pm
FREE Event
Meridian Technology Center, South Campus in Guthrie
3025 S Division St, Guthrie, OK 73044
Adult Learner Awards & Authors Signing
Keynote Speaker
Jolene Poore
Jolene Poore is the Director of Ada Public Library. Though she has over thirteen years of combined experience in both public and academic libraries, she has significant professional experience in the corporate business and human resources fields. In addition to developing and instructing much of the adult programing available at Ada Public Library, she has taught undergraduate and graduate classes as an adjunct professor at East Central University. She is currently the president of Pontotoc County Literacy Coalition, past president of East Central University’s Linscheid Library Academic Friends and a member of Unity Point Counseling & Resource Center.
Adult Education Award
Shania Dooley
Shania started her program at OCCC to fulfill her goal of getting a High School Diploma. This program has given her confidence and the desire to keep going. I have seen her be a natural leader in my class. Shania asked questions and made sure everyone else was at ease. Shania decided on her own to form a study group. She collected phone numbers, chose a place, reserved a room, set up a table and chairs and even had a whiteboard available. The overall mood in the class went from being terrified to, “we are in this together.”
Al Morgan
When Al started Community Literacy Centers, 4+ years ago, his confidence was very low and he struggled reading most words or writing his ideas. He set his dreams high! He wanted to go to university and study coding. He began to be a leader to the other students and they looked to him for advice and help. They saw a guy who worked hard his whole life and had success, even with his limited literacy skills, and they were inspired by Al's courage to "start again". He always shares the latest technology with other students and teaches them how to use it. Al has worked tirelessly on his education; he is currently studying Computer Programming at Oklahoma City Community College.
English as a Second Language Award
Delfina Rodriguez Montoya
Delfina started out as an ESL student a few years ago with Community Literacy Centers. She has joined the US Citizenship class with the goal of becoming a citizen. She will soon complete the HiSET exams to earn her High School diploma. Delfina regularly takes the lead in small groups. She is one of the first to volunteer to help someone. She is a great example of perseverance and hard work, inspiring other students to keep studying. She is always eager to help spread the word when we have activities and/or programs so more students can get involved. Delfina has developed into a leader in her classes and throughout the whole program.
Nancy Mendez
Nancy Mendez arrived from Guatemala ten months ago, speaking very little English. One of her first stops was to the Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services (BPLLS) office to ask about ELL classes. In just eight months, Nancy has completed over 100 hours of instruction at BPLLS. She has gained an entire ESL level and shown a marked improvement in her ability to speak and comprehend English. Nancy’s achievements have impacted her life in a myriad of ways from work to doctor’s visits to running errands. When asked to participate in any BPLLS project, Nancy always agrees.
