Contact: Laurie W. Anderson or Jennifer Dykes, Anderson & Associates Public Relations, Inc., 303-758-1118

The Learning Source Holds Graduation Ceremonies

LAKEWOOD, CO--Oct. 28, 2002 -- The Learning Source for Adults and Families, a local non-profit organization working to educate metro Denver adults and families, recently held graduation ceremonies recognizing students who received a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Colorado Department of Education Certificate of Accomplishment or United States Citizenship.

The ceremony was held at The Learning Source’s office, 455 S. Pierce St. in Lakewood, with Dave Aguilera of KCNC News 4 presenting the welcome address and Sherry Landry, a former Learning Source graduate, singing the national anthem.

The Learning Source reached more than 1,400 adults and families in 16 programs at 10 learning centers throughout the metro area last year with the help of more than 100 volunteers. The centers are in areas of high need in diverse locations, such as churches, elementary schools, recreation centers and the Denver County Jail.

Graduates receiving their GED included Martine Ambrose, Silvana Andrade, James Barnes, Taisha Bartsch, Terhia Beard, Paul Belarde, Lawlor Bell, Angela Brown, Jason Carr, Jack Catrell, Justin Chavez, Jeanne Cordova, Sheryl Cota, Anna Creazzo, Wendie Elkins, Araceli Esparza, Micco Fobb, James Garcia, Nicholas Garcia, Veronica Garcia, Alice Givens, Cynthia Gonzalez, Jeremiah Gooley, Angela Green, Grenda Gutierrez, Barbara Harris, Carlos Hernandez, Stanley Herting, Tasha Holiday, Holly Jackson, Joshua Johnson and Nikki Johnson.

Also receiving their GED were Derise Jones, Brenda Lee, Ernest Lopez, Amber McDonald, Katrina McFarlane, Jesus Medrano, Abril Christofer Mesa, James Milles, David Montoya, Tony Montoya, Ramona Moreno, Kadell Phillbrick, Maria Ramirez, Robert Roberts, Donald Robinson, Jackie Rodarte, Elizabeth Romero, Stephanie Romero, Kenneth Roybal, Amanda Sainz, Cathleen Sanchez, Irma Sanchez, Roselee Sanchez, Anna Takata, Felix Trujillo, Monique Vallejos, Sara Welborn, Fatima Williams, Mary Wricks, Mohammed Yatribi and Dora Zuniga.

Nora Alcocer, Dolores Almaraz, Nancy Aguirre, Eva Bustillos, Martha Alicia Estrada, Maria Dolores Garcia, Lourdes Gonzalez, Eneida Hernandez, Rosa Hernandez, Maria Piña, Graciela Rodriguez, Maria Isela Villalpando and Hongjiao Zhang received Certificates of Accomplishment from the Colorado Department of Education for learning to speak English and meeting established criteria. They were the first Learning Source students to receive this designation.

Alicia Frustos, Josefina Garcia, Bacilio Hernandez, Yunpen Liu, Nasreen Morady, Sonia Prendis, Alma Sanchez and Maria Velasco received their United States Citizenships.

Two students were also honored for their individual accomplishments. Cynthia Gonzalez received the “Outstanding School to Career Graduate” award. Gonzalez is combining her education with 25 years of experience in the janitorial industry to start her own janitorial business. Martine Ambrose received the “Linenbrink Award” for her dedication to furthering her academic education. Ambrose is planning to attend Concord Medical School.

In addition to recognizing this year’s graduates, The Learning Source also recognized Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder and Judy Dowling of Wells Fargo Bank for their dedication and commitment to The Learning Source and its goals.

Also acknowledged were members of The Learning Source’s staff. Lois Filchak was recognized for three years of service and Andrea Martinez and Liz Willcockson were commended for their 10 years of service to The Learning Source.

“It was a wonderful evening that celebrated our graduates and the spirit and commitment of volunteers that keeps our organization running,” says Susan Lythgoe, executive director of The Learning Source.

Established in 1964, The Learning Source believes education is essential to people’s freedom, their confidence, and their ability to perform in the family, community and workplace. The organization provides opportunities for motivated adult learners and families to attain educational goals through adult and family literacy; GED and English instruction provided by trained volunteer tutors, led by a dedicated staff; and accessible centers located within the community.

For more information on The Learning Source’s programs or how to volunteer, call 303-922-4683.