Rowan County Literacy Council

SALISBURY — What do work horses, yearlings, quarter horses and mavericks have to do with literacy?

Last week, Rowan County Literacy Council volunteers found out during the annual Tutor Appreciation program at Rowan Public Library. After refreshments, tutors heard opening remarks from board President Melody Moxley followed by a recognition ceremony led by Moxley and program coordinator Laurel Harry.

“As I looked at the 2017 data for our volunteers, I was struck by the different categories of volunteers,” Harry said. “We have eight tutors who have volunteered for over 10 years, and I thought: These tutors are our true workhorses.

“We also have 16 new ‘yearling’ tutors who have come on board since the beginning of 2017. We have mavericks who are willing to try new things and quarter horses who are consistent strong performers.

“Our tutors are so dedicated and bring such enthusiasm and stamina to our program,” Harry said. “We appreciate all of their contributions whether they are brand new or have 20-plus years in the saddle.”

Tutors were recognized for 2017 based on the number of classroom hours logged:

• Tutors who had 100 instructional hours: Willi Beilfuss, Deb Chirico, Sarah Goodman, Doug McKenzie, Janet Millspaugh, Carolyn Myers, Cindy Oakes, Pat Stellute and Larry Summey.

• Tutors who had 200 hours: Ray Costello, Don Doering, Nan Lund, Vance Meek, Char Molrine, Gary Rash, Anne Saunders and Irene Stewart.

• Tutor Jennifer Welch logged 300 hours

Two tutors were recognized as Rookies of the Year. Deb Chirico and Denise Jacobs were heralded for logging many classroom hours as well as pitching in at fundraisers and helping in the office.

In addition, the Literacy Council honored tutor Lisa Boguslaw, who passed away on March 27. Boguslaw began tutoring with the Literacy Council in 2017 even though she had been battling cancer for some time. She continued to tutor until just weeks before she passed away.

She was recognized for exemplary service, selflessness and extraordinary commitment to others.

The Rowan County Literacy Council provides free reading instruction and English language instruction for speakers of other languages. The council is a United Way agency and is headquartered in the main branch of Rowan Public Library, 201 W. Fisher St.

For more information on enrolling as a student or becoming a tutor, visit the website at http://www.rcliteracy.org or call 704-216-8266.