Chatham Literacy celebrated its learners with a festive Student Appreciation Event on Tuesday, December 10th. The office was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas decorations and a tree that captured everyone’s attention.
Learners from ESOL, Financial Literacy, and Citizenship classes gathered to share their experiences and enjoy hot chocolate and Mexican sweet bread. The highlight of the evening was Maria Basilio, who had just achieved her citizenship that very day. Maria shared her journey, expressing gratitude to her teachers, Keith Johnson and Lily Brabble, for their support. “The week leading to my appointment, I was so nervous. I would work, eat, sleep, and study. Some nights I would stay up until midnight studying because I wanted to make sure to pass the test,” Maria recounted. The room erupted in cheers when she announced her success.
The event also featured a raffle, with learners winning various prizes. Marian Olson, a board member and active tutor, continued teaching her class during the event, adding to the excitement as students anticipated the raffle drawings. Maria Guadalupe Garcia, an ESOL learner, playfully encouraged her classmates to join, quipping, “If not, more hot chocolate for me!”
As the evening came to a close, learners expressed their appreciation for the event, which made them feel valued and special. The Chatham Literacy team was thrilled to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our learners, reinforcing our commitment to supporting adult education in Chatham County.
