2006 AALL Student Awards

MPAEA NAEHS Project Celebrates its Fifth Year

By Blair Liddicoat  

In the summer of 2001 the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association (MPAEA) Board decided to expand its recognition of students beyond its annual Student of the Year Award.  The board agreed to implement a National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) Project.  This project allows each state to select three of its local NAEHS inductees to be recognized at the yearly MPAEA Conference Awards Ceremony.  This past spring’s conference in Denver marked the fifth year of this wonderful project and I am proud to say that Arizona continues to lead the way among the eight MPAEA states in regards to this project.  This was the fifth straight year that Arizona had three inductees acknowledged as exemplary adult students.   This year’s inductees were Ramon Henry, Peter Hiadzi, and Martha Menchaca.  Their photos and biographies follow.

Rio Salado College Adult Basic Education Program in Tempe, Arizona

 Ramon Henry

 Ramon is an inspiration.  In spite of physical challenges (Ramon is wheelchair bound) and sometimes great pain, Ramon is always full of smiles and the joy of being alive.  He exudes sunshine and a positive “I can do” attitude to teachers and students alike.  We are all encouraged and uplifted by his cheerfulness.  When told he was being nominated to the NAEHS, he exclaimed, “Only in America would I be so honored!”

Although he is gainfully employed, Ramon has accumulated 137 hours of attendance since July 5, 2005 at the Rio Salado College Learning Center .  He has been extremely persistent in his study of the English language.  He has been attending classes at the learning center for about three years.  When Ramon first started attending classes at the learning center, he was enrolled in pre-literacy classes.  Since that time, he has garnered enough educational gains that he is now in the advanced ELAA classes and taking TABE language tests.

 Pima College Adult Education in Tucson, Arizona

Peter Hiadzi

 Peter started in ABE classes at the El Rio Learning Center in October of 2003 with many gaps in both his English and general education skills. He proceeded to GED classes in January of 2004 after making great progress academically and personally.

After struggling with algebra and geometry, he now circulates around the classroom helping other students.  He often volunteers to explain and demonstrate the process.  We admire his persistence, in an area that had been so frustrating for him, to understand and encourage his desire to share what he’s learned with others.

 Peter’s innate respect for others shows through as he listens to others and participates in group work and discussions.  He recently shared a traumatic experience with the rest of us as a result of some of the material we covered in class.  His trust and willingness to reveal himself led to a shift in everyone else, and we became a more vibrant and cohesive class. 

 Peter combines successfully gentleness of soul and hardness of resolve.  I’ve watched him push forward while always looking out for others.

 Pima College Adult Education in Tucson, Arizona

 Martha Menchaca  

 Martha first came to the Center for Training and Development Student Resource Lab in July 0f 2005.  Her goals were to receive her GED and to qualify for the Practical Nursing training at CTD.  Her initial score were in the sixth grade level, and she understood that preparation for the GED would take some time and effort.  She demonstrated her commitment by having consistent attendance and a real focus in her studies.

 Martha showed her leadership by encouraging and reaching out to help other students.  She was a model of positive persistence resulting in her successful completion of her GED.   She is so motivated that she has expanded her goals to include becoming a registered nurse.  Martha is currently attending classes at Pima community College.

 Martha demonstrated her strength of character and ability to set and achieve goals.  He story is an illustration of the important opportunities adult education provides and how these opportunities serve as a starting point on the road to academic and career success.