[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2018 LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA--
                      PRINCE WILLIAM, INC. AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients 
of the 2018 Literacy Volunteers of America--Prince William Inc. awards. 
Literacy Volunteers of America--Prince William Inc. (LVA-PW) is a local 
non-profit organization that has served Prince William County for more 
than 25 years. Its mission is to improve lives through adult literacy. 
It trains local volunteers to become tutors then pairs them with adults 
seeking to improve their literacy or English language skills. LVA-PW 
offers a range of literacy services including GED classes, computer 
literacy, citizenship preparedness, English as a second language 
classes, and more.
   Every year LVA-PW hosts an annual meeting and award presentation to 
honor and share in the achievements of its adult learners and 
volunteers. I am proud to include in the Record the names of the 
following LVA-PW award recipients:
   Student of the Year: Bismark Osei. Bismark came to the U.S. from 
Ghana two years ago. He is a devoted and hardworking family man who 
came to LVA-PW seeking to better his life and further his education 
through earning a GED certificate. He joined LVA-PW's GED program one 
year ago and started taking three classes a week while also working 
full-time as a security guard. By August 7, 2018, through hard work and 
perseverance, he earned his GED certificate after only 10 months in the 
program. He plans to continue furthering his education and career goals 
by enrolling in college.
   Tutor of the Year: Eduardo Lopez. Eduardo has been a volunteer with 
LVA-PW for more than two years. He serves as both a GED math tutor and 
basic computer literacy tutor. Since beginning at LVA-PW, he has 
provided over 350 volunteer hours while also working full-time. His 
passion, patience and encouragement inspires his students. This year 
alone, he has helped two students prepare for and pass the GED test. 
Eduardo is a living example of the impact that a single individual can 
have on a community.
   Patti J. Beattie Volunteer of the Year: Martha Kobliska. Martha has 
been a volunteer with LVA-PW for more than 11 years. She serves as a 
tutor, fundraiser, and tutor trainer. As part of the tutor training 
team, she provides professional level training and certifications to 
all new tutors. This year alone, she has volunteered in excess of 325 
hours to LVA-PW. Martha demonstrates her compassion and commitment to 
helping others through her positive spirit and willingness to serve 
whenever called upon.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each 
of the LVA-PW award recipients and to thank them for their 
contributions to our community.

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