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SISTER LENORE RECEIVES THE WESTERN SUFFOLK BOCES OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Western Suffolk BOCES Board and Officers bestowed an Outstanding Achievement Award in June, 2011 upon Sister Lenore Toscano in the field of Adult Literacy. The citation reads as follows: |
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“Sister Lenore is an adult instructor as well as the Director of the Opening Word programs in Wyandanch, Amityville, and Huntington Station.
Sister Lenore has affected the lives of marginalized and oppressed women by giving them educational opportunities not otherwise available
through traditional instructional programs.
Her focus has always been to provide education to women in poverty, women with families to support, single mothers, and those with learning and physical disabilities. Her commitment to education has assisted hundreds of students to pursue educational goals at the Opening Word and Western Suffolk BOCES, and she has been a driving force behind many women acquiring their US citizenship in central Long Island.” RECOGNIZES TWO OUTSTANDING STUDENTS FROM THE OPENING WORD PROGRAM Two women from The Opening Word Program were honored by the Suffolk Association of Continuing & Community Education (SACCE) at an awards dinner in June, 2011. Below is the text of the presentation which was read at the ceremony. |
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| HAYDEE CONTRERAS Haydee came to the United States from Guatemala. In 2008, she registered in The Opening Word Program. Haydee worked, studied hard, and loved learning! Suddenly, she became seriously ill with cancer and had to discontinue classes. Her perseverance to continue her studies encouraged all those who were privileged to know her story. |
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Eventually, Haydee came back to school with her familiar dignified, soft spoken, gracious compassionate manner, and with no less enthusiasm to achieve.
Now in 2011, she is speaking, understanding, reading and writing English at a level of achievement which focuses on moving her toward her next dream: to attend classes at BOCES for cosmetology.
Haydee lives happily with her daughter and family, busying herself with her hobbies: sewing, practicing English and playing with her grandson. |
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BLANCA HERNANDEZ was born and raised in El Salvador. She came to the United States eleven years ago and has worked in a local factory to help support her family.
Two years ago Blanca registered at The Opening Word Program in order to study the English language.
Her listening, speaking, reading and writing skills have improved tremendously because of her hard work and dedication to learning.
Her maturity and generosity are real assets in class. Blanca shows by example how important it is to give back to the community. She anticipates the needs of others and offers help in any way she is able. Blanca never leaves the classroom without expressing her thanks to the volunteers and teachers. Blanca intends to continue her English studies, and also prepare for the GED exam in the Fall. Her husband and two daughters are as proud of Blanca as is the staff of the Opening Word because she is truly an outstanding young woman. |
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