TEXARKANA -- The Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas has awarded nominees from the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties with three of its five awards given out annually.
The Win Rockefeller Leader of the Year Award, Outstanding Business Partner of the Year and Student of the Year all went to nominees from the Texarkana-based nonprofit.
Winners will be honored at a luncheon Friday, May 20 at the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock at the close of ALA's annual conference.
The Win Rockefeller Leader of the Year award went to Paul Chapman, the executive director of Restore Hope Arkansas, an organization that helped the Literacy Council bring the 100 Families program to Texarkana. Chapman, who worked with Gov. Asa Hutchinson to form Restore Hope Arkansas, and his team have been supportive to Walker and 100 Families Coordinator Kristina Rivas-Jones in providing support and training for the collaborative program that helps Texarkana families find stability in crisis situations.
The Outstanding Business Partner of the Year was awarded to Donnie Reid and his team at Total Medical Supply and the I Am a Hero organization for their work in establishing the We Are Washington campus. Because of Washington, the Literacy Council is able to offer adult education services more conveniently to residents on the Arkansas side of town.
Jackie Grissom garnered the Student of the Year award. Grissom is attending GED classes at the Literacy Council and is being honored for her academic achievements.
Executive Director Jenny Walker said she is thrilled about the opportunity to showcase the exceptional leaders who have supported the organization's work this year and a student who has been an incredible example of the power of perseverance.
"Nobody enters into this line of work for recognition," Walker said. "But the people we were able to honor with these nominations are truly deserving of public praise. We are thankful that ALA chose them above so many qualified nominees across the state. It is truly an honor for us all."
The ALA supports adult education in more than 50 counties.