News from Project Learn of Summit County

GED Student of the Year
Crystal Hitchcock knew she needed her GED if she wanted to get further in life. Without a high school diploma or GED, her options were limited. Hitchcock was determined to expand her options. In 2005, she became a student at Project Learn.

"Crystal was a great student," said GED teacher Tom Betz. "She had a pleasant attitude, loved working with her classmates and was very motivated."

Her determination proved to be worthwhile.

"Crystal took the practice GED test twice before passing it," said Marquita Mitchell, Project Learn program director. "She lived by the motto 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.'"

After being in class for almost four years, she knew she was ready to conquer the official test.

"It felt so good to hear the words, 'You passed,'" Hitchcock said. "But, it will feel even better to walk across the stage in my cap and gown, which is something I never had the chance to do."

Well Crystal, now is your chance.

ESOL Student of the Year
Adriana Munoz started coming to Project Learn shortly after she came to the United States to be with her husband.

"I love coming to Project Learn because they've helped me so much," Munoz said. "The teachers are friendly and really patient."

Munoz, who is originally from Columbia, South America, was a nutritionist in her native country, but has been out of work since she moved to the United States. She said it is hard finding a job because her English needs improvement.

She came to Project Learn with two goals - to better her English and pass the U.S. Citizenship test.

Munoz said it is frustrating when people cannot understand her because she is unable to share her knowledge with other people.

"My English isn't that great and it's holding me back," she said. "But my teachers and classmates are helping me fix that."

Munoz accomplished one of her goals in April, which was a huge feat.

"When I found out I passed my citizenship test, I couldn't wait to tell my teacher the good news," Munoz said. "He was as happy as I was."

ESOL teacher Sue Spector speaks very highly of Dakkak and her interest in the class.

"Aseil took her volunteer duties very seriously and relates well to the students," Spector said.

Dakkak speaks English with preciseness so the students can understand her, and if she is unsure about something, she researches it so that she could better help the students.

"She seems to have an inner awareness of how to reach the students," Spector said. "And her positive attitude adds to her effectiveness as a volunteer."

Tutor of the Year
Robin Green has only been a Project Learn tutor for a little over year, but has a huge impact on the four students she has helped.

"Robin is very energetic and dedicated to the students," said Susan Trebisky, admissions counselor and volunteer coordinator.

Prior to being a tutor, Green owned her own company. She retired early and decided to spend her free time helping others.

"I'm glad she choose to volunteer with us," Trebisky said. "The students love her and are happy with the progress they've made thanks to her help."

Green helped two of her students pass the official GED test and is currently preparing one to take the military entrance exam.