Approximately 80 students, tutors, volunteers, and friends gathered recently at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton for the Literacy Volunteers Valley Shore, CT, Inc. (LVVS) annual International Dinner and Student Awards ceremony. Diners enjoyed delicacies from such countries as Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, and China. Awards were given for Outstanding Student Participation and Citizenship. Additionally, the dinner is the culmination of the student essay contest with winners in each contest reading their works in front of their peers.

If there could be a single event that describes the impact these volunteer tutors have on their community and that validates the mission of LVVS, this is that event. The Outstanding Student Participation Awards were given to those who achieved goals they had set for themselves at the beginning of year. Some achieved long-term goals, such as gaining United States citizenship, while others realized short-term goals such as obtaining a library card. Many of the students improved their employment status because of their increased English speaking skills, while others can now communicate in English with their children’s teachers or with doctors.

Students were recognized at the ceremony for essays they submitted to the essay contest sponsored by the Book Sale Committee. This event provides students an opportunity to practice their writing skills. Essays are judged in several different categories according to their language proficiency. Prizes are awarded in both English as a Second Language and Basic Reading. A full list of the essay winners and outstanding participation and citizenship recipients can be found at www.vsliteracy.org.