2009 AALL Awards

AALL Annual Awards Description and Criteria 

Gary Eyre Lifetime Achievement Award - Michele Zerr

Michele Zerr, Director for Programs at Northern Arizona University , is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Gary Eyre. . Michele is a true professional who continues to support lifelong learning and demonstrates it in multiple ways. She has played a long and significant role in the development and providing of adult education services in Arizona and throughout our region.  It is clear that Michele not only fully meets the criteria for this award, but far surpasses them.

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Lifelong Learning Advocate Award - 

 Karen Smith, the recipient of the Lifelong Learning Advocate Award in Honor of Francis E. Blake, has worked with immigrants and refugees in adult literacy for over twenty years, most recently leading Pima College Adult Education’s (PCAE’s) Family Literacy Program. Karen is a community leader in the truest sense of the word.  Her career and volunteer efforts exemplify her commitment to advocacy for lifelong learning. She has dedicated her life’s work to providing life-changing opportunities for educationally and economically disadvantaged families. Karen’s accomplishments underscore her belief that education is the key to creating opportunities for student growth, leadership and power. 

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AALL Educator of the Year - Margaret "Peggy" Lux

Margaret “Peg” Lux.  The Educator of the Year Award goes to Margaret “Peg” Lux.  Four years ago, Peg started working for the ABE program at Rio Salado College .  Every year she nominates some of her outstanding students to the National Adult Education Honor Society. She spearheaded an astonishing Adult Literacy Week project in 2009. A devoted lifelong learner herself, Peg never misses an opportunity for professional learning. ery day.

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AALL Support Staff of the Year - Miru Torres

Miru Torres, winner of the Support Staff of the Year award, has been working with students in adult education through Adult Literacy Plus of Southwest Arizona for 10 years.  She started out as one of our volunteers and, within a few months, became a member of our employed staff.  Miru’s work ethic is driven from within with nothing but the best of students’ interests and intentions in mind.  Miru reflects on the needs of the program, provides suggestions in a positive and non-threatening manner, and is open to staff suggestions and collaborations

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Rookie of the Year -Dennis Doyle

 Dennis Doyle  from Rio Salado College ABE Program is the recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award.  Dennis is the ideal GED teacher.  He also utilizes a variety of techniques and methods to provide instruction at higher levels of thinking.  Dennis is always in contact with Rio’s transition program and keeps his students up-to-date as far as the numerous career opportunities that   Rio  Salado  College  can offer his class.  m Rio Salado College ABE Program is the recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award.  Dennis is the ideal GED teacher.  He also utilizes a variety of techniques and methods to provide instruction at higher levels of thinking.  Dennis is always in contact with Rio’s transition program and keeps his students up-to-date as far as the numerous career opportunities that Rio Salado College can offer his class.

AALL Student of the Year Award - 

Daniel Lee Murray from Northland Pioneer College is the recipient of the Student of the Year Award. From this humble beginning, Daniel received his GED, and because Northland Pioneer College offers GED graduates a six credit hour scholarship, Daniel began taking classes in the 2008 Fall semester.  Daniel has energetically stepped into many leadership roles at Northland Pioneer College .  He has been an active member in the College Student Government, and is the president of the group this academic year.  He and the other members of the Student Government group have arranged for student dances, talent shows, and many fund raising events for student scholarships, and have initiated a tribute for World AIDS day. On Feb 19, 2009, Rickey Jackson , now director of the Learning Cornerstone, and several students went to the Arizona State Capitol to speak on behalf of Adult Education.  Of course, Daniel was a member of this group, discussing the importance of Adult Education with northeastern Arizona ’s Senator and Representative, Sylvia Allen, and Jack Brown.

Recipients

• 1999
  
• 2000
  
• 2001
  
• 2002
  
• 2003
  
• 2004
  
• 2005
  
• 2006
  
• 2007
  
• 2008
  
• 2009
  
• 2010
  
• 2011
  
• 2012