Illinois Literacy

              The commons area of De La Salle High School
rang with applause on May 7 for Chicago’s
Southside Literacy Coalition’s “Night of a 1,000
Stars,” an annual neighborhood celebration that
recognizes the achievements of adult learners.
The Westside and Northside Literacy Coalitions
also hosted “Night of a 1,000 Stars” events in
their neighborhoods.
Coalition member agencies give their students
the opportunity to speak at the events. Students
might read a poem they wrote, or someone
else’s, or talk about their personal learning
experiences. It’s a heartwarming experience to
hear the adult learners talk about the chal-lenges
they have faced and the positive impact
that learning to read has made in their lives.
Joanne Jones, chair of the Southside Literacy
Coalition and the volunteer coordinator at Jane
Addams Hull House/Parkway, encouraged one
of her students to go to the microphone.
Mattie Williams told everyone about the goals
she was accomplishing that she never dreamt
she would, and how Parkway’s tutors had been
a blessing in her life. Another young man told
of dropping out of school in the ninth grade
and how he recently passed his GED exam
with a score of 3020 out of 4000.
Adult learners and agency staff were especially
honored that Secretary of State Jesse White
attended the celebrations. A treasured keepsake
for many of the learners was a picture with
Secretary White.
“These students are an inspiration to their
friends, family members and other adult learn-ers,”
said Secretary White. “Their accomplish-ments
are a testament to our commitment to
keeping literacy at the forefront of our social
and economic agenda.”
This issue of Illinois Literacy is dedicated to the achievements of adult learners. In May I
attended several Chicago neighborhood celebrations called “Night of a 1,000 Stars,”
where adult learners shared a poem, a song or just a word of thanks with their fellow
learners, tutors and teachers. They applaud one another’s successes. They listen to one
another’s stories. They encourage each other because they share similar goals.
In Springfield, the Spotlight on Achievement and Service Awards honored 10 outstanding
adult learners and 10 volunteer tutors. It warms my heart to see how far these adult learners
have come and the devotion of these tutors, whose unselfish desire to help improve the lives of others is
admirable.
In this issue you also will read about Adult Education Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Adult learners
from across Illinois listened to inspiring speeches from literacy and adult education professionals, spoke
with their legislators and advocated for their own education. Through education, these learners are taking
their place as responsible and involved citizens.
Jesse White
Secretary of State & State Librarian
The Illinois Literacy newsletter is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Jesse White
Secretary of State
& State Librarian
ILLINOLIS ITERACY
“Night of a 1,000 Stars” — where adult learners shine
SUMMER
2008
Adult learner Mattie Williams (left) and Joanne Jones, volun-teer
coordinator for Jane Addams Hull House/Parkway, at the
“Night of a 1,000 Stars” celebration.
Penny Severns grants awarded — Secretary of State Jesse White awarded Penny
Severns Summer Family Literacy Program grants totaling $247,323 to 53 programs this summer. Funds for the
program are allocated by the General Assembly in honor of the late state Sen. Penny Severns who was a
staunch supporter of literacy efforts in the state. For details on the awards, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.