SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – Each year, the Illinois State Library recognizes the achievements of ten individuals who support the adult literacy effort in Illinois. The Spotlight on Achievement Awards go to five inspiring adult learners who have shown tremendous growth as they worked to improve their reading skills or to learn the English language, and are also presented to five adult literacy volunteer tutors who have shown great dedication as they assisted adult learners to reach their reading goals.

This year Gerald Chaben, South Suburban College literacy tutor, received one of these prestigious awards in a ceremony held May 8th at the Springfield State Library. Mr. Chaben was given a plaque, the Illinois Blue Book personally signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and three other books. The award was accepted on Mr. Chaben’s behalf by Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of South Suburban College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program.

Tutoring for South Suburban College fifteen years and counting, Mr. Chaben has volunteered countless hours of instructional time with his adult learners. He believes that adult literacy is a vital component of society and feels that people with good literacy skills are more likely to have higher self-esteem, better health, better jobs and higher wages. Chaben is active in helping his students feel more confident in learning and bettering themselves, and always asks his learners what they need help with that day, whether it be class work or life skills. Gerald worked with one student for ten years, eventually raising her reading ability by five levels. This is one of the many examples of the dedication Gerald Chaben has for his students.

If you would like to register for a volunteer tutor training class, or if you know someone who could benefit from tutoring services, please contact Raylynn Stokes, South Suburban College Literacy Coach of the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2558, or email rstokes@ssc.edu. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St., South Holland, Illinois.
For more information about all of SSC’s programs, admissions and registration, please visit www.ssc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at (708) 210-5718. Contáctanos al (708) 210-5740 o a Latino@ssc.edu.

Pictured: Raylynn Stokes, Literacy Coach of South Suburban College’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program at “Spotlight on Achievement” award ceremony.