next photo

prev photo

ROCKVILLE, MD – The Literacy Council of Montgomery County presented awards to students, volunteers, and the Gazette Newspapers at its 44^th annual meeting on April 26. 

Outstanding Student Awards were presented to Pi-Yu Kuo of Bethesda and Young-Jin Kim of Rockville. The awards recognized these students’ tremendous enthusiasm and dedication to learning.  (For photos, see attachment).

Young-Jin Kim, a native of Korea, has studied with Literacy Council tutors Michelle Hester and Margie Gustafson since January 2005.  When she began the tutoring program, Kim had been in the United States for 8 years, but lived a life almost entirely separate from the English-speaking community.  As the result of tutoring, she has gained confidence in her ability to speak English, and has been able to become part of the larger community.  Kim now feels comfortable speaking with teachers at her children’s school, on the telephone, and at social gatherings.  In addition to improving her verbal skills, Kim has written essays which are thoughtful and creative. Tutor Margie Gustafson commended Kim for her excellent attendance record and diligent study.

Since Pi-Yu Kuo began working with Literacy Council tutors Michelle Hester and Margie Gustafson a little over a year ago, her main challenge has been to speak English clearly enough to be understood.  Kuo has made great strides toward meeting this goal.  She no longer asks her husband to make telephone calls and write emails for her; she volunteers at her children’s school; and she communicates with other parents about her children’s activities.  Kuo almost never misses a class, completes an impressive amount of homework, and has developed a keen interest in American history and customs.

The Literacy Council of Montgomery County, established in 1963, is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to helping adults learn to speak, read, and write English.