Alert

With the transition of the Pass the Power adult literacy program to the school district, appreciation was given to one of the program’s former leaders Thursday. 

Nearly 50 community members celebrated the program’s 25-year success at the annual literacy luncheon at Missouri Western State University. Honoring volunteers and achievements, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., spoke of the dedication and commitment that volunteers have provided.

“We all know (literacy) skills are getting more important,” Mr. Blunt said. “There are a lot of reasons people struggle with literacy ... it takes a lot to figure out what the obstacles are and find the people who can help.” 

As a way to assist more community members, Pass the Power transitioned its services to the St. Joseph School District last fall after the program’s director, Deborah Ellsworth, left her position after nearly 13 years. 

On Thursday, Dr. Gordon Mapley, dean and executive director of the Western Institute, honored Mrs. Ellsworth with the Roy Blunt Literacy Citation. 

“When I look back over the years, I look at the number of people that this has made a difference with, and I look at all the people who had the courage to come in and ask for help,” Mrs. Ellsworth said. “I also look at the perseverance at the volunteers who have wanted to make an incredible difference in (the students’) lives.” 

Dr. Mapley noted that Mrs. Ellsworth continues to volunteer and demonstrate commitment to helping others develop and improve their literacy skills. 

Betty Wymore, adult education director with the school district, merged the district’s and the Pass the Power volunteer groups last fall and pledged Thursday to continue with Pass the Power’s vision of providing tutoring services to adults. 

“Our volunteers dedicate a lot of their life and time to our students, and with funding that seemingly decreases every year,” she said. “On Nov. 1, the torch was passed over to us and we want to continue the dedication to serving the community in furthering education in the future.” 

Ms. Wymore also announced Sue Creason, a former school district staff member and current literacy volunteer, as the first recipient of the Leader in Literacy award. In the future, recommendations and nominations will come from throughout the area’s literacy programs. 

For more information about tutoring services or how to volunteer, contact the school district’s Adult Education and Literacy program at 671-4020.